San Fernando, Trinite seek to strengthen ties

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/San_Fernando__Trinite_seek_to_strengthen_ties-126231833.html 

Martinique magic: Marie Francoise Sinseau, left, head of the delegation from Trinite, Martinique, dances with a colleague during Monday's welcoming ceremony at the San Fernando City Corporation, Harris Promenade, San Fernando. —Photo: DAVE PERSAD

By Louis B Homer South Bureau

Story Created: Jul 27, 2011 at 1:00 AM ECT

Story Updated: Jul 27, 2011 at 1:00 AM ECT

Culture and trade are two elements to be pursued between Trinite, Martinique, and San Fernando, as part of the twining arrangements between the cities.

San Fernando Mayor Marlene Coudray, in delivering an address on Monday night at a joint meeting with the delegation from Trinite, said, "We look forward in the future to improved trade relations, especially in the cottage industry, and the possibility of greater and more frequent exchanges involving children at secondary schools."

Coudray said "although the two cities have been twined since 1989, so far the mutual benefits have been minimal, but I intend to ask members of the Friends of Trinite to engage in dialogue that would redound to the mutual benefit of both cities".

A ten-member delegation from Trinite, headed by Marie Francois Sinseau, secretary of Friends of San Fernando and member of the Tourist Board in Martinique, spent seven days in San Fernando, exploring the possibility of increasing the visits of pupils from Martinique in a language-exchange programme.

She said, "Already we have received groups from St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando, who came to Martinique to improve their French."

Sinseau said the delegation was happy to visit Paramin, where they met families who came from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Sinseau said, "Another area in which we could have meaningful exchanges is tourism."

The delegation was entertained on Monday night at the San Fernando City Hall auditorium.

louis Homer