Foreign Diplomats lauded for helping Guyana on international stage
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 19, 2018
Director of the Foreign Service Institute, Ambassador Ronald Austin has applauded past and present diplomats for their sterling contribution to Guyana on the international stage. The Ambassador made the commendation at the University of Guyana (UG) Tenth Vice Chancellor’s Renaissance Lecture.
“In this great international arena at different levels [United Nations, Commonwealth and within the CARICOM], we’ve done exceptionally well, because I believe our diplomats were committed to the belief that they should serve their country well and do their utmost to ensure their country thrive and progress,” Ambassador Austin said.
The lecture was held under the theme ‘Guyana on the international stage: Engagement at the 2018 UN General Assembly.’
Addressing those gathered in the UG’s Education Lecture Theatre for the lecture, Ambassador Austin noted that from 1966 to 2018, while Guyana has faced problems, and division; in the area of the foreign policy there was unity and understanding. He explained that there is very little variation in the foreign policy since it began in 1966, even as different governments assumed office at different times.
“Guyana has produced excellent diplomats including Ambassador Cedric Joseph, then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham among others. The creation of the diplomats produced allowed Guyana to become very strong and for a very small country quite powerful in terms of influence on the international stage,” Ambassador Austin explained.
The Ambassador added that while Guyana does not possess the power of the Americas, British or countries like France, it has the ability to formulate solutions to problems, at the United Nations, Commonwealth and within CARICOM.
According to the Ambassador, Guyanese diplomats have also significantly contributed to the creation of CARIFTA and CARICOM.
Further, Ambassador Austin urged that more emphasis be placed on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ambassador Rudy Collins in his remarks noted that Guyana must work along with the international community to resolve the controversy and ensure “we have their support.”
Ranetta LaFleur.
Images: Department of Public Information.