Canada remains a valuable development partner
– President Granger at Canada Day reception
Georgetown, Guyana (June 25, 2019) President David Granger, last evening, said Canada remains a valued development partner while noting that its investments in mining and oil and gas are propelling economic development and generating employment and business opportunities for citizens and corporations.
The Head of State, who noted that Canada is Guyana’s largest export market, was at the time speaking at a reception to mark the 152nd anniversary of the Confederation of Canada held at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown.
“Canada has provided assistance to Guyana in a wide range of fields including education, the environment and climate resilience, indigenous people’s development, governance, justice administration, public administration, private sector development, social development and of course for the National Assembly,” President Granger said.
President Granger’s remarks followed an announcement by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Ms. Lilian Chatterjee that a Canadian Chamber of Commerce will be launched here.
Canada, he reminded, has been a leader in the global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. “It continues to provide support to small states seeking to build greater environmental resilience. The recently launched Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility Project will assist nine Caribbean countries, including Guyana, to build capacity for disaster management and response,” he said.
Guyana, President Granger said, is in transition towards establishing a “green state” one that will place emphasis on the protection of the environment, preservation of the biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.
“Canada’s conspicuous and continuous cooperation in our economy; its commitment to common values and its collaboration with the Caribbean Community will continue to cement strong relations with Guyana and between the states of the western hemisphere,” he said.
Additionally, the Head of State thanked Canada for “its strong support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity over the decades”.Guyana and Canada the President reminded, have founded their friendship on the principles of “mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security”.
Meanwhile, President Granger congratulated the government and people of the Confederation of Canada on its 152nd anniversary of the unification of the provinces and the establishment of the Dominion on July 1, 1867.
“Canada, today, has become a model of multiculturalism and a symbol of social cohesion. Canada’s unwavering commitment to the principles of gender equity, human rights and inclusionary democracy and its leadership on matters of critical importance to the international community have earned it international acclaim,” the Head of State said.
Guyana and Canada have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in May 1966.
Meanwhile, the Canadian High Commissioner, like President Granger, pointed to the many years of collaboration and cooperation in various disciplines.
Ms. Chatterjee said there are many similarities with Guyana, noting the multicultural nature of both states. “I would like to commend the Government of Guyana in its acceptance of Venezuelan migrants. It speaks to your compassion Excellency, to accept people escaping harsh difficulties when that country’s Government is in a territorial dispute with you,” she said.