Peru celebrates 202nd anniversary of independence

GREVIC ALVARADO

Peru celebrated the 202nd anniversary of its independence on July 28 and 54 years of diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago with a cocktail evening at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port of Spain.

Ambassador David Malaga in his welcoming words showed his gratitude to TT and his people.

“Thank you very much to all the distinguished guests for being here with us to celebrate our independence and the strong and friendly relationship with TT, based on shared democratic principles and the pursuit of world peace and the eradication of poverty. We are free by the will of the people.”

Malaga highlighted the unity and regional co-operation, especially with TT to find practical solutions to face the world's food crisis.

“We seek to make visible the great biodiversity of food produced in our country, offering at all times a quality, sufficient and varied offer of safe, nutritious, affordable and sustainable food.”

He noted the agroclimatic conditions of Peru and the daily flights of COPA Airlines from Lima to TT as advantages to expand business between both nations.

“TT has a primary responsibility. Dennis Francis will chair the 78th United Nations General Assembly and lead efforts to organise the summit of the future. Peru will strongly support this effort. We hope that history will later verify the 2020 pandemic contributed to a new renaissance for humanity.

“Peru and TT have a lot of work to do as a team. In fact, from the embassy we are supporting local cultural initiatives, programmes to promote Spanish as a second language, and we have participated in fairs and festivals such as the Nalis Latin Night.”

Permanent secretary in the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry Reita Toussaint congratulated the Peruvians on the celebration of their independence.

“Peru is one of the friendly countries of TT. We congratulate your nationals for independence and growth,” she said,

Guests were served typical Peruvian food and drinks and Peruvian art was on show at the venue.