Government’s commitment to democracy unwavering – President Ali

– Lauds Diplomatic Corps for fighting for Guyana’s democracy during 2020 election impasse

His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali today highlighted and applauded the “selflessness and commitment” of members of the Diplomatic Corps in ensuring that democracy was not derailed in Guyana, following the March 2020 elections.

The Head of State expressed gratitude on behalf of Guyana during a luncheon to honour the diplomats at the Baridi Benab at State House.

A large number of Cabinet members, including Vice President, the Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, were also at the event.

GREAT ADMIRATION

“It has been just over a year since many of you who are here led, with great admiration of the people of Guyana, the Caribbean and the rest of the world, an important battle…to ensure that democracy was not derailed and to ensure that Guyana will remain in the company of democratic countries.”

The President added that Guyana would always be grateful for those who led from the front in defending the principles and democratic values of the country.

GUYANA’S COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY

These examples, the President said, have cemented in his Government a commitment to contribute, wherever and however possible, to democracy all across the world.

“We believe strongly that democratic values are values that should never be sacrificed, are values that are part of human dignity and human rights; and our commitment to Guyana is to ensure that never again should the people of this country have to experience such moments when the democracy of the country was tested. So, I want to say to all of you that be assured that Guyana and this Government’s commitment to democracy is unwavering.”

The Head of State also assured those present that his Government is one that is open, transparent and accessible. As such, he expressed the hope that there will be more opportunities, despite the constraints of the pandemic, for a continuous exchange of ideas and a building of relations between the Diplomatic Corps and the Government.

“And that is why we wanted this event also. This will be part of the feature of the Government, ensuring not only Guyanese have access, but the international community has access, and that we are ready and prepared to answer any questions, any queries, and also to listen to any ideas that you may have.”

PROACTIVE

President Ali noted that he has also made it clear to members of the cabinet that they have to be proactive. As a result, they will be reaching out to create more opportunities for cooperation, to achieve more outcomes and to discuss possibilities. This, he said, will lead to a better, more prosperous and dynamic society.

“So, today, I just want you to relax a bit in an environment that you can interact with the cabinet and continue this strengthening of relationships; we value every relationship, we honour every relationship, and we believe that it is only in creating better relationships and understanding that we can have a better and prosperous dynamic society. So please convey to your capitals also the best wishes of the Government, and also our prayers for your safety and the safety of the countries you represent, as we navigate another difficult phase of this pandemic.”

In closing, the President used the opportunity to applaud once again the outgoing Secretary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, for his stellar service and stewardship over the years.

The members of the Diplomatic Corps who attended were: United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ms Sarah-Ann Lynch; European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó; Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa; Deputy British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr Ray Davidson, outgoing Secretary-General of CARICOM, Mr LaRocque; Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro; Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Jose Omar Hurtado Contreras; Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Mr Juan Manuel Pino Vásquez and other representatives. Members of Cabinet included Vice President, the Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Anil Nandlall; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Honourable Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Honourable Gail Teixeira; Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Education, the Honourable Priya Manickchand; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd; Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Robeson Benn; Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Juan Edghill; Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Vickram Bharrat; Minister of Human Services, the Honourable Dr Vindhya Persaud; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Kwame McCoy and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Honourable Susan Rodrigues.