HIS Excellency Luis Fernando Ayala Gonzalez has been accredited as the plenipotentiary representative of the Republic of Chile to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The accreditation ceremony took place at the CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

Speaking on the occasion, CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque said the grouping’s relations with Chile have been accelerating and were strengthened in recent years under President Sebastián Piñera’s administration.
Mr. La Rocque expressed confidence that Ambassador Gonzalez will contribute greatly to expanding and strengthening those ties, which have facilitated numerous encounters at various levels, including at the second meeting of the CARICOM-Chile Joint Commission in Santiago between their Foreign Ministers in February 2012.
La Rocque recalled that fruitful discussions were held then on a wide range of issues, among them international cooperation in the multilateral sphere, technical cooperation and the community of Latin American and Caribbean States.
He said the Foreign Ministers agreed on a plan of action which covers the range of areas identified by the CARICOM side as being priority for technical cooperation, such as agriculture, Spanish Language training, trade negotiation and natural disaster management.
Political commitment
La Rocque noted that the engagements between CARICOM and Chile are further demonstrative of the political commitment to work together on areas of mutual interest.
He extended CARICOM’s appreciation to President Piñera for committing to deepening the bilateral relationship with Chile and commended the envoy on his country’s achievement of three consecutive years of economic growth reported by the World Bank.
“This is, indeed, one of Chile’s many accomplishments and speaks to its penchant for adopting policies that foster economic growth and which enable it to quickly recover from internal and external shocks, such as the global financial and economic crisis,” La Rocque remarked.
He acknowledged that Chile’s story is an inspirational one and said there is a lot that others can learn from that country’s experience, adding that, fortunately for CARICOM, that country is willing to share its expertise.
La Rocque told the diplomat: “Excellency, Chile has made South-South cooperation a practical experience for us and I am happy to state that it goes beyond technical cooperation; it also extends to cooperation at the multilateral level.”
The Secretary General alluded to the Chilean Ambassador’s background in Economics, Political Science and his history of serving in various capacities in his nation’s Foreign Ministry and diplomatic postings.
“One of your many postings which stood out, for me, is the one in Milan, Italy, where you were responsible for Culture and Trade Promotion. I have no doubt that your expertise in these areas will come in handy as CARICOM celebrates CARIFESTA XI scheduled for August of this year in Suriname,” La Rocque said to the Chilean delegate.
He said CARICOM hopes that the latter will encourage his government to participate in this important festival, which will provide an opportunity to showcase the rich Chilean culture as well as to experience the Caribbean’s at its best.
La Rocque said he looks forward to working with the Chilean and received his credentials with pleasure, wishing him every success.
In his response, Gonzalez admitted his gratitude in being able to represent the Government and people of Chile and assured that CARICOM can count on a loyal ally and friend in order to work for the integration process throughout the region.
New chapter
He said, “During the last two decades, subsequent to the re-establishment of democracy in Chile, we inaugurated a new chapter in our relations and continued to strengthen our political and economic ties, building a rich and common bilateral and multilateral agenda with CARICOM.”
According to him, this agenda is born of their common values and principles and based on full respect for human rights, international law, territorial integrity, promotion of democracy and freedom.
Ambassador Gonzalez assured of Chile’s willingness to continue to deepen this cooperation for development and share with CARICOM member countries the experience of Chile.
He said Chile’s commitment to work together with CARICOM countries remains a firm priority for his country.