On January 30, 2016, a sunny warm afternoon in South Florida, three young men gathered to raise the flag of their father’s homeland, Montenegro. Many traveled a great distance to witness the opening of the new Consulate of Montenegro and to honor the man who had been chosen by the government of Montenegro to represent their country in Florida, Danilo Ivancevic. Danilo’s son, Christopher, came from Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where he was showcasing a film he produced, to be with his father and family as they celebrated his Dad’s appointment. Among the many dignitaries present were the Mayor of Budva, Dr. Srdjan Popvic, and Representative Lana Marvin, Dragan Ivancevic, the President of the Tourism Bureau of Montenegro; Former Secretary of State and first Ambassador to Washington, Mirodrag Vlahovic; Ambassador Srdjan Darmanovic from Washington; and Consul General, Zoran Jankovic, and his wife from New York. Others came from as as far away as California and Chicago to attend the opening and included family, friends and countrymen who have now made their home in America. A ribbon cutting ceremony by Ambassador Darmanovic and newly appointed Honorary Consul Ivancevic signified the official opening of the Consulate. The office located in Danilo’s building, where he runs his business with his son, Nicholas. The Consulate office was decorated beautifully, and everyone was delighted to see it decorated in Montenegrin style with pictures of past and present leaders of Montenegro, paintings by Montenegrin artists and beautiful landscapes of the country. A wealth of literature was also presented for many visitors to learn more about the country and the many travel destinations to visit. Ambassador Darmanovic spoke of the importance for a country to open consulates around the world, and he was happy that Honorary Consul Ivancevic had been selected to open an office in Florida. He stated that there are also plans to open another office in the Chicago area. Ms. Dushanka Lalicic, President of the Montenegro Club of Florida, thanks those who were in attendance for coming to the opening and expressed delight in the establishment of the new office and its importance for her fellow countrymen and Montenegro. It was an emotional time for many, as they saw the flag of Montenegro being raise for the first time on Florida soil. It brought tears to eyes of some who attended. Mr. Ivancevic then expressed his thanks to the Government of Montenegro for his appointment and expressed his hope that he would be worthy of that trust that had been placed upon him, and that it is a humbling experience to be chosen to represent one’s homeland.
One of the objectives of an Honorary Consul is to promote the exchange of investment in tourism, trade and real estate. Florida has much in common with Montenegro. Climate, location on the coastline, boat building and sports are just a a few. Both countries share the same amenities and activities for visitors: they share the sun, surfing, boating, diving, parasailing, and nightlife. In 2006 the World Travel Tourism Council named Montenegro among the top ten countries in the world for tourism development. Montenegro is, and will always be, the perfect destination for vacation.
Written and published by FORUM for the Consular Corps College.
