Villa Beach, St. Vincent and the Grenadines—A former prime minister and more than 30 other guests attended the launch of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines chapter of the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP).

The theme of the event, which took place on September 28, 2017 at the Beachcombers Hotel in Villa Beach, was “The Role of Parliamentarians in Creating a Culture of Sustainable Peace.”

Hon. Jules Ferdinand, a senator in the House of Assembly, the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, expressed his gratitude to UPF that the launch of the IAPP in St. Vincent could be realized. 

The chair of UPF-St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mrs. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Charles S. Yang, president of UPF-Central America and the Caribbean. In his remarks, he said: “The IAPP [is to be] politically neutral and embrace lawmakers from all parties….It emphasizes dialogue as an essential first step to resolving conflicts and building trust, and respect of all religious faith traditions.”

UPF-Latin America regional chair, Dr. Sang Suek Kim, explained the vision of the IAPP, which has already been launched in some countries in South and Central America. “It is time for parliamentarians to contribute to the realization of peace in the region and the world. Demonstrate the example to follow the path of cooperation, mutual prosperity and living for the sake of others, thereby building the basis for a sustainable world of lasting peace that can be bequeathed to future generations,” he said.

Afterwards, Hon. Arnhim Ulric Eustace, former prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and a member of parliament for East Kingstown, and Hon. Ferdinand gave remarks.