Venezuelan ambassador says adieu

Ambassador de Grijalva says goodbye to a well wisher

Well wishers and friends of Venezuelan ambassador, Carmen Martinez de Grijalva, gathered on Thursday evening at a surprise concert to say goodbye to the diplomat who is ending her 12-year tour of duty in Dominica.

Many expressed their gratitude for the cooperation and support received from de Grijalva, who on many occasions during the event had tears in her eyes.

Dominica’s ambassador to Venezuela, Dr. Philbert Aaron, said the outgoing ambassador had her hands in many of the aspects that strengthened the relationship between the two nations. “Everybody knows you’ve had your hand in Dominica joining Petro Caribe, Dominica being in ALBA and the strengthening of the relationship between Dominica and Venezuela and the very strong relationship that now exist,” he stated.

He said de Grijalva will always have a special place in the hearts of Dominicans. “In you, in the work you’ve done for Dominica, in your relationship with the individuals, in the government and for me personally it can be felt that you have a special place in your heart for our people, for our country and for our issues,” Aaron said.

There were many special presentations at the event and the outgoing diplomat dedicated them all to her country’s president, Hugo Chavez, who she said gave her the opportunity to work in Dominica.

She said Dominica will always be in her heart and she pledged to work in the interest of the island, no matter where her next assignment takes her.

The event was organized by the staff of the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation in Dominica with the assistance of senior cultural officer, Pearl Christian.

There were performances by the Cuatro and Dance Groups of the Venezeulan Institute, Sisserou Singers, Gregory Rabbes, Hunter, and Ophelia.

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24 Comments

  1. Master-B
    February 5, 2013

    Es triste su partida de mi pais, un pais donde ha impactado tan profundamente no solo en los aspectos economicos sino tambien en la parte cultural, educacional y social ayudando en el desarrollo socio-economico de mi pais. Durante su gestion en Dominica se ha profundizando la amistad entre Venezuela y Dominica. De parte de los estudiantes becados de Dominica en Venezuela en el pasdado y presente queremos decir muchas gracias a ud. por todo la colaboracion, apoyo y consejo que nos ha ofrecido. Personalment, me voy a extranarle mucho, Espero que tenga exitos en cualqier asiginacion que le ortega. Que Dios te Bendiga inmensamente Sr. Grijalva. Un fuerte abrazo!!!

    • Master-B
      February 5, 2013

      Correction: Last line should read “Sra.”for Senora Grijalva.

  2. pnle
    February 4, 2013

    I am going to miss this lady greatly. Meet n spoke with her several times, meet her son, daughter, grandson cute kid, etc… She always had a pleasant smile n loved the way her accent made my name sound when she said it. absolutwly wonderful lady, i truely will miss her.

  3. zasquales
    February 3, 2013

    why did you stay twelve years in the first place. seems like Venezueal forgot you were here. or is it because Cahvez sick all new changes already coming in place. recall all ambassadors all over

  4. Anonymous
    February 2, 2013

    I beleive that “adios” would have been better suited for the Venezuelan Ambassador.

  5. sweety
    February 2, 2013

    so sad

  6. February 2, 2013

    During the tenure of Ambassador Carmen Matinez Grijalva, the diplomatic relationship between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela flourished. Through the Venezuelan Institute For Culture & Cooperation on Bath Road, many Dominicans from all walks of life and professions were recipients of instruction in the learning of the Spanish language.

    In addition, the embassy was also keen on seeing the development of arts and culture, and collaborated on numerous cultural projects, particularly in the literary arts. Ambassador Grijalva who has a background in mass communication and journalism, was also passionate the journalism in Dominica. Consequently she was instrumental in the Venezuelan Institute hosting workshops in screenplay writing and television news presentation for local journalists.

    No doubt, that spirit of cooperation and support between our two countries will continue to grow and prosper.

    We wish Her Excellency and her family all the best as they embark on a new era in their diplomatic and personal lives.

  7. Grand Bayrian
    February 1, 2013

    on behalf of the (DAO)Dominica Association of Ottawa I would like to take this opportunity to Thank Ambassador, Carmen Martinez de Grijalva.

    For her tireless work and generous assistance she provide to Mrs. Julian Ginley, the President of the Rotary Club of Orleans, Ottawa, while she was in Dominica with her initiative Youth Exchange program and special needs education in Dominica.

  8. chavez Bling Boy
    February 1, 2013

    Thank you very much madam embassador and Venezuela. Well done. You have touched lives during your stint here. Because of you and ur Government many of us have a better life today. May God continue to bless you , President Hugo Chavez and the people of Venezuela. Dios te bendiga, El Comandante y la gente de Venezuela. Les amo.

  9. Not a herd follower
    February 1, 2013

    Hasta la vista,Carmen. And safe journey through the rest of your life. You have been in Domincia for such along time that I thought you were here for 20 years. Gracias por

    • Not a herd follower
      February 1, 2013

      Gracias por su servicio, Carmen. Best wishes from Dominica.

  10. rabbit
    February 1, 2013

    we love you carmen i shivered to see you bid farewell, may God Bless you.

  11. Anonymous
    February 1, 2013

    DNO….you mean you could not come up with the Spanish word for goodbye?…weh, weh, weh

    • LittleBIG
      February 1, 2013

      In defense of DNO we say goodbye in our mother-tongue, and “Adieu” seems very appropriate.

      The Ambassador must have learned some patois for her 12 years on the island, and saying “Adieu” is in a way accepting her more as one of us rather than as a Venezuelan.

      She was very well received by all Dominicans.

      Once again, ADIEU. Bon Chance!

    • warma
      February 2, 2013

      EXACTLY what I said when I read the caption….lolllllll

  12. Anonymous
    February 1, 2013

    but she forget the students that studying…i didnt even know she existed.

    • iKnow
      February 2, 2013

      Dummy she was the representative of the Venezuelan government in Dominica. Looking out for our students is the job of OUR ambassador to/in Venezuela.

      And if you never heard of her, you definitely have been out of Dominica for a LONG time.

    • Malgraysa
      February 2, 2013

      She represented her country, not ours. Put your complaint in its proper place, at your Govts. door.

  13. james
    February 1, 2013

    Thank you Madam, may God Bless you allways.

  14. Africo
    February 1, 2013

    Thank you Carmen Martinez de Grijalva for all that you have done to assist Dominica. You have always taken a personal interest in several different areas from culture to housing to petroleum security etc etc. Muchos Gracias!

  15. Observer
    February 1, 2013

    Farewell Madame Ambassador. You were a true friend of Dominica. Your stint here did not only benefit Venezuela, but Dominica immensely. For once I thougt you were Dominican.

    God bless you and your family. Dominioca is truly greatlful for your stint here.

  16. gracias
    February 1, 2013

    You served well..Thank you for your contribution to our country….A true ambassador..A working one at that too.Your name has become a household name in Dominica..Gracias!!!!

  17. KIP
    February 1, 2013

    Thanks for your service to Dominica.

  18. kakarat
    February 1, 2013

    Adieu Carmen, Vaya con Dios.

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