India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Georgetown on a two-day State Visit to Guyana. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
As a special gesture, on arrival at the airport, he was warmly received by the President of Guyana, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, along with the Prime Minister of Guyana Hon’ble Brigadier (Retd.) Mark Anthony Phillips. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome. More than a dozen Cabinet Ministers of the Government of Guyana were also present at the ceremony.
On his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by President Ali along with the Prime Minister of Barbados, H.E. Mia Amor Mottley and the Prime Minister of Grenada, H.E. Dickon Mitchell. In addition, Prime Minister received a rousing and colorful welcome from the Indian community and the Indo-Guyanese diaspora in the presence of several Cabinet Ministers of Guyana.
Amid the welcome at the airport and the hotel, the entire Guyanese government Cabinet was present. As a testament to the close India-Guyana friendship, the Mayor of Georgetown handed over the “Key to the City of Georgetown” to the Prime Minister.
The visit aims to deepen the relationship between India and Guyana, while exploring opportunities for regional collaboration.
Guyana is on the northern coast of the South American continent, and bordered by Suriname to the east, Venezuela to the west, Brazil to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean. The name Guyana means Land of Fountains. The country is naturally beautiful with scenic rainforests and rivers. People from all parts of the world have settled in Guyana. With English as the official language, it is culturally close to the Caribbean countries.
The flag of Guyana is known as Suvarna Banam (Golden Arrow Head). It is the only English-speaking country in South America, and was once a Dutch colony. 95% of the higher educated natives here are working in foreign countries. The main export products are rice, sugar, bauxite and rum. A hybrid culture from many countries is evident here.
Breaking the protocol, the President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali welcomed PM Modi at the airport. Later, PM Modi addressed the special parliament session in Guyana and also held bilateral talks with the President.
PM Modi also has to co-chair the second India-CARICOM summit alongside the Prime Minister of Grenada. CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, aims to boost economic cooperation and regional integration. The community consists of 21 countries, including 15 full member states and six associate members.
“We will exchange views on giving strategic direction to our unique relationship, which is based on shared heritage, culture, and values,” PM Modi shared.
India’s Ambassador to Guyana, Amit S Telang, hailed the visit as a significant milestone in bilateral ties. After 56 years, this visit highlights the enduring friendship and cooperation between our countries,” he stated.
It must be noted here that India and Guyana engage through a bilateral joint commission, the last of which was held in 2008, and regular foreign office consultations, the most recent in 2011. Cultural exchanges and the establishment of a joint business council between FICCI and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) further enhance their partnership.
Many prominent cricketers from Guyana played in the West Indies cricket team. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Carl Hooper, Lance Gibbs, Colin Croft, Rohan Kanhai, Clive Lloyd and Alvin Kalicharan are from Guyana. and Wales Cricket Board. Here, “I” stands for “International”.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
Comments