Darrel Montrope, the Consul General of Saint Lucia in Miami, began his assignment in November 2022. Before that, he served as Secretary to the Cabinet and the Titular Head of the Saint Lucia Public Service. With more than two decades of experience in leading government policy management, he headed several government agencies and managed portfolios which include Health, Tourism, Labor, and Public Administration.

 

When was the Consulate General of Saint Lucia established in Miami, and what is its designated mission?

Our mission is to promote and safeguard the interest of Saint Lucia and Saint Lucians within the jurisdiction of the Consulate. That interest includes trade and investment promotion, expansion of educational opportunities and cultural awareness.  I must point out that the Consulate covers 14 South-eastern states, inclusive of Georgia and Texas. Given Florida’s strategic location as a gateway to Latin America and an entry to the continental United States and North America, and even more so the growth trajectory of the State and that of Miami Dade in particular, in 1999/2000 my government took a decision to establish a Consulate within the space.  Florida, being as much of a melting pot or as cosmopolitan as New York or California, and Miami with its strong Caribbean presence was a logical choice for the location of the Consulate.

What is your plan to improve trade relations between Miami and Saint Lucia?

Central to improving trade relations between Miami and Saint Lucia is the understanding of the regulatory and investment climates between the two jurisdictions.  Businesses within the space would like to expand their market and enjoy returns on their investments, and undoubtedly Saint Lucian businesses would like to partner with and or export their products to Miami and the US in general. My plan is for the Consulate to serve as a central conduit facilitating the exchange of understandings and opportunities, providing and or sharing market research to interested entities, and the introductions of those potential partners via the organization of trade missions.

What makes the economic partnership between Saint Lucia and Miami special, and how does the Consulate support Miami businesses looking to expand or invest in St. Lucia?

What makes for the special relationship between Saint Lucia and Miami are the things we have and or appreciate in common. For instance, from an ecological perspective, Miami has a sunny disposition and so too does Saint Lucia. Not only in terms of climate but also in terms of the personalities with whom one engages; they are warm and receptive. Our societies and economies are stable, both sharing a mutual appreciation for the rule of law, providing for the honoring of agreements. The government is business friendly and has an attractive incentive framework in place, ensuring opportunities for returns on investments.

The Consulate tries to utilize all avenues to share information about investment opportunities in Saint Lucia and facilitate meetings between business interests and policy decision makers.

What are some popular St. Lucian products that residents in Miami might be interested in?

Saint Lucia is famed for its natural beauty and spirit, and during the heights of colonial expansion it came to be known as the Helen of the West Indies. This beauty and spirit are also infused in Saint Lucian products, many of them receiving international acclaim. Whilst I am inclined to suggest that our tourism product is one that Miami residents would be interested in, I shall identify three very popular products that residents can consume right here without having to travel outside of the State. First, for the health-conscious residents seamoss and seamoss products; second, for those who enjoy gastronomy and culinary delights, our sauces and condiments by Baron’s Food will be heaven for most palates; and third, there’s perhaps no better libation than Saint Lucia’s Chairman’s Reserve.

Could you share a fun fact about Saint Lucia that Floridians might not be aware of?

I previously stated that Saint Lucia was referred to as “Helen of the West”. Many people may not be aware, but Saint Lucia is the only country named after a female – St. Lucy – the Patron Saint of Light. Saint Lucia always intends to shine the light serving as a guidepost to and for the world.