New heads of missions ready to promote Guyana’s international image

Georgetown, GINA, July 26, 2016

The new heads of missions who were recently appointed by the government are ready to serve their country and pursue various matters that will promote Guyana’s international image.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Monday evening, Counsul General to New York, Barbara Atherly explained that she is going there to represent the government and the people of Guyana and in this regard will ensure that issues related to the diaspora are addressed in a very objective and holistic manner.

Atherly said that she will meet with the diaspora from different areas to promote economic and social issues. “We talked about economic diplomacy, in this regard we want to forge linkages with the diaspora in terms of how they can contribute to the development of Guyana, how can they partner with persons in Guyana to promote economic development, whether its trade or large scale investment,” Atherly said.

Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Michael Ten-Pow said his appointment is pivotal as he seeks to achieve a peaceful and final resolution to the Guyana and Venezuela border issue. Ten-Pow has been working with the United Nations for many years and believes that “for Guyana, the United Nations is the indispensible organisation, it’s the organisation which makes the rules that govern the conduct of its member states so a small country like ours… which can’t defend itself except by the rule of law, we need to be there,” he said.

Ambassador to Switzerland, Dr. Shamir Ally told GINA his aim is to motivate local and international investors to invest in his homeland.  “I’ve already hinted, both to the president and the Vice (president) that I am looking forward to talking with them on getting vision and to help them to add value to surpass expectations. People are ready to help Guyana in many ways and the possibilities are endless,” Dr Ally said.

The new Heads of Missions concluded their one-week orientation at the Foreign Service Institute on Monday.

President David Granger while delivering the feature address at the closing ceremony for the orientation programme, urged the diplomats to ensure that they have a thorough grounding in the issues so that they can be pursued where ever they are.

The President encouraged the diplomats to represent the national interest, to work to ensure that the administration’s thrust of security and territorial integrity, economic diplomacy, social cohesion and national unity are advanced. President Granger noted that the task given to the diplomats is a not an easy one nevertheless, “we are aiming at the creation of a professional service, hard work and for professionalism.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge said that the appointment of the mission heads is an effort by the government to merge the skills of the diplomats with that of government for better representation of Guyana, and to enable foreign services to be more effective.

The Minister explained that the government has selected the most qualified people for the positions and this group, brings a wealth of skills.

“You have someone with a long understanding, long connections with the countries- Kuwait and the other countries, you have economists, those who worked in international institutions, university work, some of them have private sector experience,” Minister Greenidge explained.

Minister Greenidge posited that next year there will be a full heads of mission exercise where a range of ambassadors will be able to contribute.