Canada’s Governor General David Johnston today begins an intense two-day visit to Barbados, where he is expected to participate in celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
He is travelling with his wife and an official delegation, which includes Canada’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Diane Ablonczy; president and chief executive officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Perrin Beatty; and CEO of the Hospital for Sick Children, Mary Jo Haddad.
Tomorrow Johnston will meet with Acting Governor General Elliott Belgrave and Prime Minister Freundel Stuart. With Stuart he is expected to discuss the long-standing trade, security and Commonwealth ties between the two countries.
Johnston is also expected to underline the growing educational linkages between Canada and the Caribbean during a visit to Bellairs Research Institute, McGill University’s teaching and research facility, and during a keynote address at the Barbados Community College.
During a networking luncheon with government officials and representatives from business and academic communities, the Governor General will discuss the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The visit to Barbados concludes with a meeting of government officials, private sector representatives, members of the Barbados Defence Force and “friends of Canada” at The Garrison.
The Canadian delegation will leave Barbados for Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow night. (ROG/PR)
