The Mexican Ambassador to the UK paid a visit to the Island yesterday (Monday 14th December).

His Excellency Diego Gomez Pickering’s trip formed part of the celebratory Year of Mexico in the UK and the UK in Mexico.

The Ambassador is visiting UK cities and the Crown Dependencies to strengthen links and friendships between them and Mexico.

His Excellency was accompanied by Evelyn Vera-Barreto, Head of Education and International Co-operation at the Mexican Embassy in London.

The dignitaries had lunch with His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood, Tim Crookall MLC, Minister for Education and Children, Howard Quayle MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, and Steve Rodan, Speaker of the House of Keys, and his wife Ana. Mrs Rodan is originally from Mexico. They were joined at lunch by members of the business community.

Mr Rodan showed His Excellency and Ms Vera-Barreto around Legislative Buildings and explained the history of Tynwald, the world’s longest unbroken parliament.

The dignitaries met Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK and visited the Department of Economic Development, where they were welcomed by the Minister, Laurence Skelly MHK and senior officials. They also met Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK. The strength and diversity of the Island’s economy and its priorities to ensure ongoing economic success were high on the agenda at the meetings.

The Chief Minister said: ‘The visit allowed us to explore ways of extending business, education and cultural links between our two countries in a way that benefits us both.’

His Excellency and Ms Vera-Barreto were also shown around the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education by Minister Crookall and College managers. They saw the new ?4.9 million facilities for engineering in the William Kennish Building and construction crafts in the Baillie Scott Wing and toured the art, design and media and hairdressing and beauty therapy departments.

Photo - Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK meeting His Excellency Diego Gomez Pickering.