Guyana among top growing countries in Caribbean – New Canadian High Commissioner

Georgetown, GINA, September 12, 2013

 

 

 

New Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. Nicole Giles regards Guyana’s economy among the strongest in the region, echoing sentiments that continue to vindicate confidence many have in a country whose economy is robust and resilient.

 

The country has been showing consecutive years of positive growth within the past six years even in the period of the global economic and financial crisis. With 3.9 percent growth already witnessed in the first half of this year, this momentum is being maintained.

 

The stable state of the economy has been attractive to many foreign investors including Canada where financial institutions and mining companies have promoted a good level of commercial cooperation between Guyana and Canada.

 

First Bauxite Company sealed an agreement with the Guyana Government to develop a bauxite mine in Bonasika along the Essequibo River, while Guyana Goldfields Inc., another Canadian company entered into a US$1B deal two years ago to develop the Aurora Mines located in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven. Coupled with oil exploration, Canadian investments in the extractive sector number more than 30.

 

Dr. Giles, the first female Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana presented her Letters of Credence to President Donald Ramotar today, succeeding David Divine.

 

During her tenure as a resident High Commissioner she will seek to work towards the fulfillment of the Canadian Government’s goal of deepening Canada’s mutually beneficial political, economic, trade and security agendas.

 

As Canada seeks to initiate an ambitious trade programme with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), High Commissioner Dr. Giles assured that the potential benefits will be extended to Guyana as well.

 

The trade agreement is at present being negotiated, focusing on goods, market access, services, investment and development cooperation. Consideration has also been given to the peculiarities of each island state and the trade related capacity challenges.

 

Guyana remains committed to the successful completion of the Canada-CARICOM trade and development agreement, President Ramotar told the new Canadian High Commissioner.

 

“This will serve as a sound basis to support the initiatives of our respective private sectors in their quest to expand business opportunities,” President Ramotar said.

 

As he remains optimistic about the ongoing level of bilateral cooperation between Guyana and Canada, President Ramotar said he is also looking forward to new areas that seek to enhance relations.

 

Canada was hailed by the Guyanese Head of State for its support of national development initiatives, and is home to several hundred thousand Guyanese migrants who the High Commissioner said are making invaluable contributions to the Canadian economy.

 

Dr Giles will simultaneously serve as Canada’s High representative to CARICOM and Ambassador to Suriname (Designate). She holds a BA Honours (Political Science and History), Master of Philosophy (International Relations), and Doctor of Philosophy (International Relations).

 

Her work experience includes program officer and deputy director with the Nuclear and Radiological Security Division and as director of the Global Partnership Program. She has also published on missile defence and nuclear strategy. Most recently, Dr. Giles was director of the Capacity Building Programmes Division.