His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez-Silva said goodbye to Antigua and Barbuda yesterday after serving six years as the Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Antigua and Barbuda.
Hosting a farewell call with the Ambassador yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene congratulated Ambassador Perez-Silva on his years of service.
Greene said, “It is with a heavy heart that you leave Antigua and Barbuda as your country assigns you elsewhere. We have gained a lot over the years you have spent in Antigua and Barbuda – your friendship, your professionalism, dedication to service, epitomizing the consummate diplomat.”
Greene thanked Ambassador Perez-Silva for his efforts in securing assistance for the country during Hurricane Irma.
“As I reflect on your service, I go back to Hurricane Irma and the role that you personally played in mobilizing support for Antigua and Barbuda. Notwithstanding your country’s challenges, Venezuela was the first country to respond for our request for assistance,” he said, adding that, “For me and most Antiguans and Barbudans, that experience around Hurricane Irma stood tall in our memory because it was a catastrophe, during a time where Venezuela was also going through challenges.”
After the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma to Barbuda in 2017, more than 40 persons were sent from Venezuela to Antigua and Barbuda, including pilots, firemen, medical officers and officers of the Venezuelan Civil Protection Division.
Additionally, Venezuela also provided relief items such as water, food and emergency supplies to Barbuda.
The departure of Ambassador Perez-Silva comes during the political and humanitarian crisis facing Venezuela.
Greene reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s position on the issue, saying, “Even as Venezuela today goes through a challenge, Antigua and Barbuda wishes to reiterate our position in the core values and principles of non intervention, respect for the rule of law and sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Perez-Silva called Antigua and Barbuda a true friend.
“I was extremely glad that Venezuela was the first country to help a true friend of Venezuela. Antigua and Barbuda and Venezuela have maintained excellent relations for years and the relationship is getting stronger,” he said.
The ambassador also noted that despite his long diplomatic career, he will always remember his time on the island.
“What is fundamental for me is the human relations that I have developed during the years. When you are involved in the diplomatic business, you are in a country on a temporary basis. But Antigua and Barbuda will always be in my heart and has been one of the greatest experiences I have had in my career,” he said.
