On Tues, Sept 24, 2024 the St. Catharines Twinning Association was honoured to host Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, His Excellency Denis Moses, High Commissioner to Canada, Consul of Trade and Investment Officer Darryl Smith and Consul General Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette. The day started with a welcome at City Hall hosted by Mayor Mat Siscoe and the City’s Economic Development Dept. A boardroom discussion was held and included lots of ideas about supporting Twinning as well as generating business between St. Catharines and Trinidad. Senator Paula advocated the importance of Twinning and suggested the City can do more to support it. A quick “photo op” took place in the Council Chambers and then the group was picked up by a tour van for a guided tour around the City. Executive Committee Member Jonathan Belgrave narrated the tour and arranged a stop at Niagara College for a wine tasting, followed by a tour of the VPMI department at Brock University. Senator Paula carried an impressive conversation with the Professor who guided the tour and engaged the group candidly. 

From Brock, the delegates were met at the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre for a reception. They had a chance to tour the museum and browse the gift shop. 

The reception was held in the Lockview Room and was opened with the national anthems of Trinidad & Tobago and Canada played on Steelpan by Twinning member Gabriel Hudlin. Senator Paula and Consul Darryl addressed the room and both parties exchanged gifts. The delegates were presented with Twinning t-shirts, flags and giftware from the City. Twinning was presented with a bottle of Angostura rum and a box of custom painted chocolates. The delegates had a chance to see a ship coming into the Lock and then we proceeded to George‘s Greek Village for dinner. 

The evening ended with a quick drive by of Niagara Falls. 

It was a honour and a privilege to show these dignitaries our City and provide them with  Twinning style hospitality. They enjoyed their visit immensely and we will be in touch with them for further opportunities including the 2025 potential Port-of-Spain visit.