Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar congratulated the Indian Government on behalf of the Government and the people of Guyana as the Asian nation celebrated its 66th Republic anniversary.
Speaking at a reception ceremony held at the Georgetown Club last evening, the president lauded the ties between the two countries, and noted that the Republic has been a good friend of Guyana since relations were established in 1966.
He recalled his recent state visit to that country and said he welcomed help and cooperation in several areas offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The long-standing relationship has been of great mutual benefit to both sides. The recent approval of a line of credit for the construction of the East Bank road link to the East Coast, and assistance for the acquisition of an ocean going ferry will give momentum to Guyana’s infrastructural development.
He described India as one of the former colonies that has developed its science and technology, noting that “India is now reaching to the stars and their rockets are now investigating the solar system”.
He also praised the Indian Prime Minister for moving to establish a Center of Excellence for Information Technology in Guyana, saying that it will also be a tremendous boost for the country.
“As the world moves into an era of seamless connectivity through the internet and high speed global telecommunications, there is promising potential for pooling our strength to ensure sustained economic development and progress in not only existing, but also new and innovative sectors”.
The role of business from both countries in boosting greater trade investments and people to people connections was further noted by the president. He also expressed his appreciation for the assistance in building Guyana’s human development via programmes such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in key sectors such as agriculture and health. Efforts by India to help modernise the local sugar industry were further acknowledged.
In conclusion, President Ramotar said India remains an important partner in an international environment that presents many challenges for developing countries. “We will collaborate with India in various fora to address these challenges with a view of promoting solutions adopted by developing countries for acceptance by the international communities and the developed world in particular”.
Acting Indian High Commissioner, Madhumita Sengupta, highlighted that her native country was deemed a sovereign, secular and democratic state when it was declared a Republic some 66 years ago, on January 26, the date on which theConstitution of India came into force in 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on November 26, 1949, but was adopted on January 26, 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic. The acting high commissioner noted that the newly elected government will continue to build on the gains achieved since the economy was liberalised in 2001.
She added that the country is playing an active role in international organisations such as the United Nations where it is contributing to the maintenance of peace and security.
Sengupta also announced the granting of visas automatically to Guyanese visiting the country as tourists. “Our warm and cordial relations with Guyana are based on historic and cultural links, shared values of freedom equality and belief in unity and diversity”.
She added that recent visit to India by President Ramotar has added impetus to the warm relationship already exiting between the two countries and congratulated his achievement of being awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and people of Indian origin (PIOs). The president received the award for his immense contribution in the field of public service, and for fostering ties between India and Guyana during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations.
She also mentioned the ITEC programme which has seen her country providing technical assistance in several sectors to Guyana. Guyana’s role in the fields of environmental issues and climate was further noted by Sengupta.
“India is committed to maintaining friendly and cordial relations with all its neighbours and all the countries of the world and continues to share the experience of its development with its sister countries.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.