SVG Consulate in New York expands support for nationals
Key Points(5)
- St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Consul General to the United States Roland “Patel” Matthews says the country’s New York-based Consulate is expanding its role beyond routine consular services to help nationals access education, business and other opportunities.
- Matthews, who assumed office on March 1, said the Consulate is building relationships with universities, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to create opportunities for Vincentians in the United States and at home.
- Speaking at a town hall meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, Matthews said consular services such as passports and document processing would remain important, but the office should also serve as a bridge between Vincentians and institutions in the United States.
- “If we establish a relationship with an organisation, how can that relationship create an opportunity for our people?
- If we meet a university, how can that benefit a Vincentian student?” he asked.
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Consul General to the United States Roland “Patel” Matthews says the country’s New York-based Consulate is expanding its role beyond routine consular services to help nationals access education, business and other opportunities.
Matthews, who assumed office on March 1, said the Consulate is building relationships with universities, businesses, government agencies and other institutions to create opportunities for Vincentians in the United States and at home.
Speaking at a town hall meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, Matthews said consular services such as passports and document processing would remain important, but the office should also serve as a bridge between Vincentians and institutions in the United States.
“If we establish a relationship with an organisation, how can that relationship create an opportunity for our people? If we meet a university, how can that benefit a Vincentian student?” he asked.
Education and opportunities for young people are among the Consulate’s priorities, he said.
Matthews said a relationship with Leadership Initiatives has already given Vincentian students access to scholarship opportunities and practical programmes in areas including medicine, law, public health, business and international development.
The Consulate is also in discussions with Columbia University in New York about potential educational opportunities for Vincentians.
Talks are also underway with Taiwan on possible opportunities for young Vincentians living in the United States, including second-generation nationals, to travel there to study, experience the culture and gain international exposure.
Matthews said the Consulate’s ability to connect nationals with opportunities depends on having a better understanding of the Vincentian community across the United States.
He urged Vincentians to register through the Consulate’s SVG Diaspora Connect and other diaspora registration initiatives.
The registration effort is intended to help the Consulate determine where Vincentians live, identify their concerns and map the skills and expertise within the community.
Matthews said the information could also prove useful during emergencies by helping the Consulate identify and contact nationals who may be affected by natural disasters or other major incidents.
The Consulate is developing a registry of Vincentians across the United States, including professionals such as doctors, nurses, teachers, contractors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, tradespeople, technology professionals, business owners and students.
“We also need to understand the tremendous human resources that exist within our Vincentian community,” Matthews said.
The Consulate has also conducted a Diaspora Needs Assessment examining issues including barriers to investment in St Vincent and the Grenadines, assistance needed by nationals, areas of interest and the skills available within the diaspora.
Matthews said the findings would help shape the Consulate’s priorities and inform recommendations to the government and other agencies.
Business and investment
The Consulate is also seeking to strengthen its links with the New York State Governor’s Office, New York City agencies and other institutions to help Vincentians access technical assistance, business programmes, grants, training and opportunities to showcase their products.
Matthews said the office has assisted nationals interested in establishing businesses in St Vincent and the Grenadines, exploring investment opportunities and exporting products from the United States.
The Consulate is also working to promote Vincentian businesses and products by using its relationships to introduce them to potential partners, businesses and officials in the United States and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Modernising consular services
Alongside its expanded outreach, the Consulate is modernising its traditional services.
Matthews said a pilot initiative to improve the passport application process has recently been launched, with the aim of making the process more seamless while maintaining legal and security requirements.
The initiative includes exploring greater use of electronic processing, improving appointment management and communication, reducing unnecessary visits and allowing applicants to track their passports online.
The Consulate has also strengthened relationships with the New York City Police Department and district attorney’s offices.
Matthews said those relationships would provide established channels for assistance when Vincentians become victims of crime or encounter serious situations in New York.
Discussions with the NYPD have also opened the possibility of training, knowledge-sharing and other forms of cooperation that could eventually benefit institutions in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
“We are trying to better understand who our people are, where our people are, what our people can do, and what our people need,” Matthews said.
“Your government services should not disappear because you live abroad.”
