Her Excellency Merlin Udho, Ambassador of Guyana to Brazil, has been accredited on a non-resident basis as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guyana to the Republic of Chile.

Ambassador Udho presented her credentials on Thursday April 4, 2013 to His Excellency Sebastian Pinera, President of the Republic of Chile.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 6, 2013

President Maduro acknowledges President Ramotar’s presence in Venezuela for the State Funeral of President Chavez

His Excellency President Donald Ramotar along with His Excellency President Correa of Ecuador attended the swearing-in ceremony of His Excellency Nicolas Maduro at the National Assembly last evening. In his speech, President Maduro said: “Something really significant, we want to highlight, is the presence in this room of an extraordinary man of the Caribbean, and from a country with which others wanted us to establish a feeling of hatredbetween our people and their people”. President Maduro went on to say that Commander Chavez completely changed the foreign policy of Venezuela, “which now resolves our outstanding issues based on brotherhood and not hatred and war, which was the wish of the oligarchies and the imperialists. Here is the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Donald Ramotar. Thank you very much for coming."(Translation from President Maduro’s speech).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
March 9, 2013



Honorable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana chaired the Caribbean Forum: Shaping a Sustainable Development Agenda to address the Caribbean Reality in the 21st Century, 5th – 6th March, 2013 in Bogota, Colombia. The Meeting which was organized by ECLAC and the CARICOM Secretariat saw participation from the Governments of several Caribbean countries along with members of Civil Society, the Private Sector and several United Nations agencies.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett will make a statement outlining some of the issues discussed at the Forum at the Conference on Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean which will be convened in Bogota, Colombia, from 7 to 9 March 2013.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
February 23, 2013

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, launched the Guyana Diaspora Project (GUYD) at the Embassy of Guyana in Washington, DC, last Friday evening. The GUYD project is designed to compile data about the resources, skills and level of interest which is available in the Guyanese diaspora. Persons and organizations who wish to assist in Guyana's development can submit their information online through a dedicated website or by way of social media. The information obtained would allow for skill sets and resources which are available in the diaspora to be matched and channelled toward development needs in Guyana.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett informed the gathering, which comprised representatives of Guyanese associations and other nationals, that "We cannot develop 83,000 square miles with 800,000 people." The Minister explained that the Government was moving away from viewing emigration primarily as a brain drain and was viewing it as an opportunity to extend the available development resources beyond Guyana's confines.

Head of the Guyana country office for the International Office for Migration, Mr. Rui Reis explained the role of the IOM in working along with the Government of Guyana to design and implement the project, which he said was receiving favourable responses. The IOM made a visual presentation explaining how the data would be collected and utilized.

The Minister fielded a wide range of questions about the goals of the project as well as current issues of interest. She identified health, education and information technology as some of the areas which could benefit from from the project. She pointed out that the private sector would also be able to make use of the information collected.

The project was originally launched in New York by President Donald Ramotar last September and subsequently launched by Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, prior to last Friday's launch in the US capital. Ambassador Bayney Karran welcomed the gathering to the event, which had been timed to coincide with the 43rd Republic Anniversary. He thanked them for braving the wintry conditions to attend the event.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
February 23, 2013



The Government of the Republic of Guyana and the State of Palestine have formally established diplomatic relations as of today February 21, 2013. A Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations was signed by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador George Talbot and the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine Ambassador Riyad Mansour.

The two countries have expressed their desire to work to enhance their existing friendly and cooperative relations.

Guyana is a member of the United Nations Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people. Over the years the Government has been a long standing and principled supporter of the people of Palestine in their just struggle to realize their inalienable rights to self-determination including the right to an independent state and permanent homeland. In keeping with this position, the Government of Guyana supported Palestine’s bid for Non-Member State Observer Status in the United Nations last November.

In January 2011, Guyana became the first CARICOM country to formally recognise the State of Palestine as a fee, independent and sovereign State based on its 1967 borders. With today’s act, Guyana has become the first member of CARICOM to establish diplomatic relations with the State of Palestine.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
February 21, 2013


President Donald Ramotar who is attending the First Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Chile told his Colleagues on Sunday, that while Latin America and the Caribbean as a region has managed to escape the effects of the financial crises with the region actually recording positive growth, when disaggregated, the situation in the Caribbean is a matter of great concern. Many of the countries are having tremendous difficulties and are still reeling from the effects of the crises.

The President, in lauding the birth of the CELAC, spoke of the importance of more people to people contact since people drive the integration process. He posited that "at every level we should try to get to know each other." The challenges associated with transportation in the region were highlighted as a hindrance to integration. Infrastructure integration is also important if the region is to realise its full potential, President Ramotar opined.

On the issue of the fight against drugs, President Ramotar said it is no longer good enough to say that we are not consumers and so the problem is not ours. “The fight against drugs has to be one of cooperation amongst all countries as this transnational "business" continues to infiltrate every aspect of our societies”.

As the lead Head of Agriculture in CARICOM the President took the opportunity to speak about cooperation in this area through learning from the Latin American countries that have transformed their agricultural sector. He mentioned the more than US$3 Billion food import bill of the Caribbean which can be reduced if the agricultural and transport sectors improve. Recognising the progress already made in reducing poverty, President Ramotar nevertheless referred to the many inhabitants of the region that still live in poverty. This situation is unacceptable he said, given that the region is endowed with vast resources. He challenged his colleague Heads of Government to work to eradicate poverty.

Further addressing human development the President thanked Cuba for their great contributions to developing human capital in the region and more particularly Guyana.

The President also thanked the Government of Chile for the work they have done to advance the CELAC objectives and wished President Raul Castro and his Government every good wish for a successful tenure as Cuba assumes the presidency of the Organisation.

President Ramotar is being accompanied by Hon Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Her Excellency Audrey Waddell, Ambassador to UNASUR.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
January 28, 2013



Guyana was on Friday January 18th elected to the post of Vice President in the Bureau of the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Guyana will serve on the Bureau for the year 2013 in the seat allocated to GRULAC. Other members of the Bureau are Finland as President of the Bureau in the seat allocated to WEOG, Iran as Vice President in the seat allocated to Asia, Kenya as Vice President in the seat allocated to Africa and Albania as Vice President in the seat allocated to Eastern Europe.

The Bureau consisting of five members, each representing one of the five regional groups, is elected by the Executive Board each year from among its members, with the Presidency rotating among the regional groups on an annual basis. The Bureau assists the Executive Board in its oversight responsibilities and the facilitation of decision-making. The Bureau deals with administrative and functional matters, such as facilitating the negotiation of decisions at the sessions of the Board, to enhance the effectiveness of the Executive Board. It also functions as a link between the UNICEF Secretariat and the regional groups represented on the Executive Board.

Guyana was elected to the Executive Board of UNICEF last year for a three year term starting in 2013 and is one among five members from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries on the Executive Board, the others being Antigua and Barbuda, Colombia, Cuba and Haiti.

The Executive Board of UNICEF is made up of 36 members.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
January 23, 2013



The Government of the Republic of Guyana and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan have formally established Diplomatic Relations as of January 11, 2013. A Communique establishing diplomatic relations was signed at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kazakhstan by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador George Talbot and the Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan Ambassador Byrganym Aitimova.

The two countries expressed their confidence that the establishment of diplomatic relations will contribute to the promotion of trade, culture and friendship between the two countries.

Guyana and Kazakhstan have in the past cooperated in several multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on issues of common interest. This marks another step in the strengthening of the relations between the two countries and is expected to lead to enhanced bilateral cooperation.

The decision is in keeping with the foreign policy of the Government of Guyana to develop relations with as many Member States of the International Community as possible with which it has mutual interests.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
January 14, 2013



NEW GLOBAL HUMAN ORDER RESOLUTION ADOPTED AT ITS FIFTH EDITION BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS

The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted today the fifth edition of the resolution entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a New Global Human Order”, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations.

The resolution was agreed by consensus after several rounds of informal consultations and raised more than 50 co-sponsors, including from CARICOM, CELAC, African, Asian and Arab countries.

The present resolution builds on the previous resolution adopted by the General Assembly in 2010 and on the Secretary-General’s Report presented earlier this year. The Secretary-General’s Report reviews recent trends in inequality and their implications for economic and social development, drawing on current analytical and empirical research into the causes of inequality. The report concludes with a number of recommendations for addressing inequality at all levels, in particular within the United Nations framework, as a contribution to ongoing efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals.

At today’s session of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr George Talbot, Ambassador of Guyana to the UN, introduced the resolution, which had been updated and revised in the context of the current realities. The resolution emphasizes the continued and growing importance of the need to address inequalities at the multilateral level. It provides a platform for focused intergovernmental consideration of the question of inequality. In that context, the resolution highlights, inter alia, the need for mainstreaming inequality in the activities of the UN, agencies and programmes, and the progress in efforts of many Member States to address inequality. It requests the convening of an informal thematic debate of the General Assembly to address the issue of inequality in 2013 and encourages appropriate consideration to the need to reduce inequality in the elaboration of the post 2015 development agenda.

After the introduction of the resolution, the distinguished representatives of Singapore, South Africa and Malaysia delivered statements supporting the adoption of the resolution, highlighting the increasing prominence of the issue of inequality and the need for addressing it.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
December 21, 2012



Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who is attending the Ministerial Meeting of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group in Equatorial Guinea, yesterday reported to the ACP Ministerial Council on the deliberations of the 4th ACP Ministerial Committee on Sugar. Minister Rodrigues chaired the latter Committee on the 10th December 2012 in the absence of her colleague from Mauritius.

The following were the main points of the Minister's Report:

1. The Committee discussed the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform and the devastating impact which the abolition of EU sugar quotas and increased duty-free imports from third countries from 1st October 2015 would have on ACP sugar-producing countries.

2. Most studies conducted so far point to the fact that the abolition of the EU quotas will result in market volatility and uncertainty resulting inter alia from the link between domestic prices and world market prices. The European Commission's own impact study predicts a 45 percent fall in prices compared to the market prices reported in September 2012. Another study concludes that ACP countries stand to lose 850 million euros over the period 2019/2020. Such a situation would jeopardise ACP countries’ efforts and investments to render their industries more competitive and call into question the coherence of EU policies in the fields of agriculture, trade and development. Indeed, most if not all ACP countries would be unable to supply the EU market if prices were to fall to such low levels.

3. The Ministers agreed that it was important to ascertain that the traditional supply needs remain at 2.5 million and that border measures such as an appropriate tariff be maintained to protect the value of ACP preferential access. It was also agreed to oppose calls for an increase in the current EU quotas.

3. Ministers mandated the Sugar Sub-Committee to scale up its discussions with the EU Parliament and Council.

4. The Ministers expressed concern that the budget for the Accompanying Measures Support Program (AMSP) had been scaled down for 2012 and 2013 and mandated the Sugar Sub-Committee to follow up the matter with the European Commission, as a decrease in allocations would make the adaptation process unsustainable and difficult. Similarly, there was need to ensure that the Commission promptly re-allocates any unutilised funds. Some delegations also complained about the unilateral manner in which the EU delegation in their respective countries was selecting projects.

5. The ACP Secretariat was requested to initiate discussions with the European Commission on ways and means by which an Integrated Commodity Development Programme could be designed and funded under the next Multiannual Financial Framework at the end of the current Accompanying Measures Support Program.

6. The Ministers noted that the Mid-Term Workshop on the ACP Sugar Research Programme had offered the opportunity to review ongoing projects, to define the activities to be conducted during the forthcoming period (2013-2014) in the centres and to discuss prospects for a possible ACP Sugar Research Programme II after 2014.

The Ministers agreed that it was imperative that the sharing of data and information under this programme be extended to all ACP States.

Minister Rodrigues' Report from the ACP Ministerial Committee on Sugar was accepted by the ACP Council of Ministers.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
December 12, 2012



The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, Honorable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and the Brazilian Minister of External Relations, His Excellency Antonio Patriota today signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Working Group on Infrastructure, which will be considering the Linden-Lethem Road, a port and hydro-electric projects. The MOU was signed in Brasilia at the Ministry of External Relations. The Working Group is expected to submit its Report by the first quarter of 2013.

According to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, “the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is the result of the quiet work we have been doing in the last couple of years and is no doubt another step forward as Guyana and Brazil continue to work towards infrastructural integration, which will see both countries benefitting from increased trade and people to people contact. This is also part of the wider South American integration process.” Speaking of the Linden-Lethem Road Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said ‘’for many years our two countries have been discussing physical integration and the completion of the Takutu River Bridge is a direct result of these discussions. However, to fully realize the trade potential it is imperative that the road be upgraded. The road will benefit both countries as the northern part of Brazil in particular will have a shorter access route to the Atlantic Ocean. I am confident that the gestation period will be much shorter than that of the Takutu Bridge.’’ Minister Rodrigues-Birkett also informed that studies are also being conducted on the construction of a second hydro-electric plant which could see Guyana supplying energy to Brazil in the future should the project prove feasible.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
December 5, 2012



Twentieth Meeting of the CARIFORUM Council of Ministers

At the 20th Meeting of the CARIFORUM Council of Ministers, held in the Dominican Republic on November 29 and 30, 2012, Honorable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of Guyana’s delegation, said that the European Union should be aware of and consider the fact that notwithstanding the global financial and economic crises which occurred immediately after CARIFORUM countries signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Europe, the region has proceeded with implementation of the Agreement. Eight (8) of the fifteen (15) CARIFORUM countries have introduced the tariff reductions included in the EPA. In addition, five countries have also proceeded to ratify the Agreement and the others are on course to do so soon.

The Minister who was assigned together with her colleagues from The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago to speak on behalf of CARIFORUM countries in an interaction with the EU’s Christian Leffler, Managing Director for the Americas and Caribbean, in the European Commission, was at the time speaking on the issue of “differentiation” which is part of the European Union’s ‘’Agenda for Change” and could see development assistance to CARIFORUM countries being severely reduced. She further reminded Mr. Leffler that CARIFORUM was the first ACP group to have concluded a comprehensive EPA in December 2007, before the January 2008 deadline, and that CARIFORUM, in fact, is the only group to have negotiated a comprehensive EPA to date. Indeed the five-yearly review which was requested by Guyana prior to the signing of the EPA will take place next year. The Minister also reminded the EU representative that the other ACP groups that are still negotiating EPAs have even requested that the timeline for the conclusion of those negotiations be extended to 2016 – 8 years after CARIFORUM would have signed its EPA in October 2008.

The Minister underscored the fact that CARIFORUM valued the partnership enshrined in the CARIFORUM-EU relationship and questioned why the region seemed to be penalized for being faithful to the partnership and the Agreements concluded while other regions were being granted more concessions. These remarks were made to emphasise the point that CARIFORUM countries are now faced with the issue of “differentiation’’ having done most of what is required under the EPA in good faith.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
November 30, 2012



Guyana was among one hundred and thirty eight Member States of the United Nations which voted in favour today in the General Assembly on a resolution on the status of Palestine in the United Nations. Guyana was also a co-sponsor of the resolution which was adopted.

The Government of Guyana also submitted to the Palestinian Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian people a Statement of Solidarity on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The text of that Statement is reproduced below:

CARIFORUM-EU JOINT COUNCIL MEETING

The European Union and CARIFORUM countries engaged in a detailed exchange on the critical issue of EU development assistance which the CARIFORUM side raised in the light of the EU’s published communication on the subject in which the EU has indicated its intention to reassess its approach to implementation of its development support to developing countries, including where necessary to differentiate and graduate current ACP beneficiaries, some of whom may be in the CARIFORUM Group. Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett called on the European Union to seriously reconsider their position on "differentiation" which may see countries in CARIFORUM losing much needed development assistance because of their classification as middle income countries which is determined by GDP per capita. The Minister pointed out GDP per capita alone cannot be a basis for determining differentiation and submitted that the EU should consider the fact that many of these countries experience frequent natural disasters, such as hurricanes, which result in a perpetual state of reconstruction. This situation will get worse as climate change has resulted in more intense and frequent disasters. The high indebtedness and the impacts of the global economic crises must also be included in the equation. Rodrigues -Birkett also submitted that for some countries there is little scope for diversification.

Stressing that the vulnerabilities are real, Minister Rodrigues- Birkett informed the EU of the work which the region has recently engaged the ECLAC to undertake in codifying a vulnerability index for the region with the aim of establishing a scientific and objective approach to the issue.

The EU welcomed the presentations by CARIFORUM on this matter and suggested that the bilateral framework be utilized to continue the dialogue in view of the impending EU’s assessment.

CARIFORUM Ministers met their counterparts from the European Union and the EU Commissioner for Trade on October 26, 2012 in Brussels to take stock of implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed between the two sides in October 2008. The Meeting was convened as the Second Meeting of the Joint CARIFORUM-EU Council under the EPA and discussed the challenges that had arisen so far and provided political guidance to ensure that implementation of the Agreement remained on track.

The CARIFORUM Delegation comprised twelve Member States of which nine were represented at Ministerial level and others at Ambassadorial level.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the implementation of the Agreement, the first and only comprehensive EPA in the entire ACP Group to date, achieves its developmental goals. The CARIFORUM side reiterated the partnership spirit and intent of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and the wider framework ACP-EU Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

The Meeting resolved some outstanding procedural issues relating to implementation. It took decisive steps to operationalise the joint institutions of the EPA, in particular the CARIFORUM-EU Consultative Committee which will be comprised of civil society representatives, including academia, labour and private sector. Representatives from the CARIFORUM side are drawn from a wide cross-section of regional civil society groups and organizations. The Consultative Committee is aimed at harnessing the voice of civil society in the EPA implementation and the bilateral relations between the two sides. The Joint Council also approved the List of Arbitrators as required under the Agreement’s Dispute Settlement provisions.

The Meeting also discussed the ongoing implementation of the agreed tariff liberalization by CARIFORUM. Guyana and seven other Member States have commenced implementation of their scheduled tariff reductions which will be phased over twenty five years, until the end of 2032. The other States are expected to commence their scheduled reductions from January 2013.

CARIFORUM had previously identified some errors, involving the incorrect transpositions of specific applied tariff rates for some products and the moratorium agreed on motor vehicles and parts, in the EPA tariff schedule and sought the Joint Council’s intervention to correcting same. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, like her Colleagues, disagreed with the EU's position that there was no errorand pointed out that as was the case in Jamaica she had informed the Parliament of Guyana of the moratorium as this was the negotiated position. She called on the EU to recognise the error and work with CARIFORUM in the spirit of partnership as the Agreement had intended.

The Meeting also discussed the establishment of a joint monitoring system to continuously monitor the operation of the Agreement in order to assess its impact on CARIFORUM States. The joint system is intended to also buttress the periodic reviews provided for in the Agreement, including the first five-yearly review which is due in 2013. Guyana had insisted on the incorporation of such a review prior to the signature of the Agreement in 2008.

The Joint Council meets annually at Ministerial level and is supported by the Trade and Development Committee which meets annually at the level of senior trade officials.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
October 26, 2012

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise that the following message was today sent to His Excellency Hugo Chavez Frias by His Excellency Donald Ramotar, President of the Republic of Guyana:

“Excellency,

           It gives me great pleasure to convey to you my personal congratulations on your re-election as President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The Government and people of Guyana join me in expressing sincere wishes to you for even greater success in this term of office for which the people of Venezuela have renewed your mandate in a most decisive manner.

           I look forward to working with you towards preserving and strengthening the friendship, cooperation and mutual respect which have characterized the relations between our two countries in recent years. Guyana shares Venezuela’s ideals for greater integration amongst the countries of Latin American and the Caribbean which you have strenuously sought to promote and I am happy that we will be able to continue to collaborate at the regional level in pursuit of this goal.

           Please accept Dear Friend, my best wishes for your continued good health and well being and for the greater prosperity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

                                                                                                                  Donald Ramotar
                                                                                                       President of the Republic of Guyana”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Guyana
October 8, 2012



MINISTER RODRIGUES-BIRKETT JOINS GROUP OF WOMEN LEADERS FOCUSSED ON CLIMATE CHANGE

On Monday, 24th September 2012, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett attended her first meeting of the Troika+ of Women Leaders on Gender and Climate Change held in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting was convened by former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, Mary Robinson. Mrs Robinson had recently extended an invitation to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett to join the Troika+ which was established in late 2010.

The Troika+ of Women Leaders on Gender and Climate Change is a group of approximately 50 women leaders from around the world, who are committed to working to highlight the gender dimensions of climate change. Members of the Troika+ include Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana Figueres; Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, South Africa; Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mexico, Patricia Espinosa; EU Climate Change Commissioner, Connie Hedegaard; Executive Director UN Women and former President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet; President of the Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.

Twenty members of the Troika+ attended the meeting in New York, and agreed an action plan to secure a new agreement on women's participation at the 18th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which will take place this November. The participants discussed ways of improving women's representation on bodies established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

According to the Mary Robinson Foundation, women's representation on some UNFCCC bodies is as low as 10%, yet women are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Greater representation of women on UNFCCC bodies will make the decisions taken and resulting actions at national and international level more gender responsive and therefore more effective.

The commitment to the plan of action was warmly welcomed by Mary Robinson, who said "the European Union delegations to the UNFCCC have committed to preparing a draft decision to table at COP18 in November and it is heartening to see that these women leaders are pledging their ambition to strive for gender parity with 50/50 representation".

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett echoed these sentiments saying: "I was honoured to accept Mrs Robinson's invitation to join the Troika+ because I hope I can contribute to ensuring better representation of women within the UNFCCC processes. It is vital that the voices of women, especially women from the developing world, are heard - too often they are drowned out in discussions about climate change and global development. The need to include women is a matter of fairness and justice - but it is also a hard reality. Women and men from the developing world bear a disproportionate amount of the burden of climate change but they both hold the key to identifying solutions that work.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 28, 2012



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil has given its approval for Her Excellency Merlin Udho to be appointed as Ambassador of Guyana to Brazil.

Ambassador Udho served as Ambassador of Guyana to the Republic of Suriname from November 2009 to February 2012. Previously she worked as a Consultant in the UN system serving in the Ukraine, Bangladesh and Eastern Europe and as the Coordinator of the National Competitiveness Programme. She holds a Masters of Laws degree with specialty in International Law and a post graduate Diploma in Development Studies.

Ambassador Udho will succeed Ambassador Kellawan Lall.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 27, 2012



LAUNCH OF GUYANA DIASPORA (GUYD) PROJECT

His Excellency President Donald Ramotar during his visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly officially launched the Guyana Diaspora (GUYD) Project at the Marriott Hotel in Manhattan, New York on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Present at the launching were Hon. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs; ; Mr. William Lacy Swing, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Mr. Rui Olivera Reis, Chief of Mission of the Guyana IOM Office. Guyana’s diplomatic and consular Heads stationed in Washington, Ottawa, New York and Toronto were in attendance and members of the Guyanese Diaspora.

The project is aimed at conducting a survey of the Guyanese Diaspora to document the skills and resources available in the Diaspora and their interest in contributing towards the development of Guyana. It is being implemented in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and is funded through the IOM’s Development Fund.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 26, 2012



The Government of Guyana strongly condemns the attack which has targeted the Consulate of the United States of America in Benghazi, Libya, resulting in the death of His Excellency Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three others, as well as the attack on the US Embassy in Cairo.

The Government of Guyana wishes to urge that protests be peaceful and that there be restraint and tolerance on the part of those exercising their right to protest.

The Government wishes to convey its sympathies to the bereaved families of the deceased and to the Government and people of the United States of America for the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property caused by this tragic event.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 12, 2012



Guyana elected to chair UN Economic and Financial Committee

Guyana will serve as Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee) of the United Nations General Assembly for the sixty-seventh session. The Assembly today elected Guyana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador George Talbot, by acclamation to the post. Ambassador Talbot is the first Representative of a CARICOM Member State at the United Nations to hold the position.

The Second Committee, which deals with a wide range of development matters, will have a full agenda of issues to consider, among them macro-economic policy questions, sustainable development issues, including follow-up to the Rio+20 conference, challenges associated with poverty eradication, globalization, international migration and development, and the situation of countries in special circumstances such as Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

Guyana’s priorities for the upcoming session will include a focus on food security and agriculture, poverty eradication, climate change related issues, and the developmental impact of inequalities both within and across countries as well as on greater effectiveness and efficiency in the conduct of the work of the Committee. During Guyana's tenure, the Committee will also undertake the first quadrennial comprehensive policy review of the UN's operational activities for development.

Ambassador Talbot was nominated and endorsed for the post by CARICOM and by the Group of the Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC). Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bangladesh were also elected to the Bureau of the Committee. Ambassador Talbot, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Modern Languages from the University of Guyana and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, is a career diplomat with vast experience in multilateral affairs.

In a related development, Ambassador of Suriname to the UN, His Excellency Mr. Henry Mac Donald, was today also elected to chair the Third Committee, making this the first time that two CARICOM representatives will chair Main Committees of the General Assembly during the same session.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 4, 2012



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of recent commentary in the media and by the opposition in respect of Guyana's abstention vote on General Assembly resolution 66/253 B entitled, "The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic" and wishes to state the following:

1.The Government of Guyana has followed with grave concern the unfolding situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the increasingly heavy toll it is taking on the people of that country. According to United Nations reports, serious violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law have been perpetrated by all sides to the conflict.

2. The Government of Guyana has on two previous occasions supported resolutions of the General Assembly strongly condemning violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law by the Syrian authorities even though the said resolutions paid scant attention to the actions of other parties. The most recent of these was General Assembly resolution 66/253 A which, inter alia, mandated the appointment of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League.

3. Guyana's abstention vote on August 3 has to be seen in the context of the evolving situation on the ground, the urgent need for a political settlement and for an efficacious response by the international community within the framework of the United Nations Charter and international law. As some local reporting has illustrated, the situation is evidently complex with multiple interests being prosecuted by various actors both internal and external.

4. A number of changes have taken place on the ground, which have led to a reconsideration of Guyana's position:

• The situation has become increasingly militarised and the presence of terrorist elements has been recognised as contributing to the intensification of the conflict.

• The international community has grown more divided, resulting in the inability of the Security Council to agree on an appropriate response. As the outgoing Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League has observed, the challenges within Syria have been compounded by the lack of unity on the part of the international community.

5. The Government of Guyana is of the view that the interests of the Syrian people will be served by an immediate end to the violence and bloodshed by all parties and the provision of the necessary humanitarian and other support as envisaged in the six-point plan endorsed by the Security Council. Whatever the perceptions of the parties involved, the focus of attention has to be on the search for a viable political solution. For the response to have any realistic chance of succeeding, the international community needs to be united and to adopt a comprehensive approach addressing all sides to the conflict. The mere singling out of one party will not suffice.

6. In the considered opinion of the Government, the resolution as drafted did not contribute to the achievement of these objectives. Instead of unifying the international community, it essentially reproduced within the larger General Assembly the divisions that were evident in the Security Council. In this regard, it was a missed opportunity.

7. Furthermore, the resolution contained specific provisions which the Government of Guyana viewed as unacceptable.

• The resolution welcomes an Arab League resolution calling on the President of Syria to step down, a call that Guyana could not logically support since this was outside the accepted international norms of democratic governance processes.

• The resolution also encourages cohesion among the opposition, many of whom are unknown to the international community, and some of whom are identified by the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry with the perpetration of human rights violations, and with contributing to the escalation of the conflict. Guyana could not blindly support opposition elements under such circumstances.

The Government of Guyana believes that the situation in Syria is a complex one exacerbated by differing interests of the many actors on the ground that has seen the people of Syria being the greatest casualties. As a concerned member of the international community, Guyana continues to urge a peaceful resolution in accordance with the principles of international law.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 30, 2012



MEETING OF CONSULTATION OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE SITUATION BETWEEN ECUADOR AND THE UNITED KINGDOM
OAS HEADQUARTERS, AUGUST 24, 2012

HonourableCarolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today attended the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs convened by the Organisation of American States "to address the situation between Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding the inviolability of the diplomatic premises of Ecuador in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in accordance with international law" and "to agree on appropriate measures to be adopted."

The meeting’s proceedings were conducted by the Foreign Minister of Peru as Chair and Minister Rodrigues-Birkett as Vice Chair.

Urging the two parties to resolve the issue through dialogue, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett told the Meeting that the issues which are of unusual sensitivity have the potential to escalate if not dealt with in an appropriate manner. Underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of international law as it relates to the inviolability of diplomatic premises the Minister said "any divergence including threats, implicit or explicit, must be rejected."

On the issue of asylum, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett told the Meeting that "the issue of asylum is one of particular application in Latin America. A treaty subscribed to by several of the Member States of our region gave legal effect to the practice of political asylum as long ago as 1889 and conventions on diplomatic asylum from our part of the world have been adjudicated upon by the ICJ which has observed that the practice of asylum is a well-developed institution in our countries."

The Meeting concluded with a Resolution by Ministers that included "To reject any attempt that might put at risk the inviolability of the premises of diplomatic missions, to reiterate the obligation of all states not to invoke provisions of their domestic law to justify noncompliance with their international obligations, and, in this context, to express solidarity and support for the Government of the Republic of Ecuador."

The Resolution also urged the Governments of Ecuador and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to engage in dialogue.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 24, 2012

OAS READY TO SUPPORT GUYANA

Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, Mr. Jose Miguel Insulza, has pledged the OAS’ full support to the Government of Guyana for the country’s requirements in order to maintain peace and security and strengthen human rights and democracy following the recent unrest in Linden. The Secretary–General stated it was important not to rush to judgment, to allow local authorities to resolve the problems which had arisen and he expressed his confidence in the ability of the Government of Guyana to correct the situation. He welcomed the agreements which had been reached among the Government, the Opposition and the Regional authorities and expressed the hope that the Commission of Inquiry which has been established would be able to clarify the events which had occurred.

Mr. Insulza’s remarks summed up the sentiments of the OAS Permanent Council following a presentation to that body by Ambassador Bayney Karran, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to that Organization last Wednesday, which was followed by interventions from representatives of Brazil, Belize, Dominica, Grenada and Venezuela who gave assurances of their support to resolve the difficulties which had arisen.

Ambassador Karran informed the Council about the background to the electricity rate increases, the results of the protests on the affected communities and the efforts by the Government to resolve the crises following the eruption of protests on July 18th resulting in three fatalities, injuries and loss of property. After informing the OAS about the agreements which had been arrived at, the Guyanese envoy decried the promotion of ethnic hatred and conflict through social media networks and the peddling of misinformation. He conveyed the Government of Guyana’s concern about the precarious political situation in the country which has arisen since the November 2011 elections and stated that it warrants close attention by OAS member states.

The Chairman of the OAS Permanent Council, Ambassador Stephen Vasciannie of Jamaica, assured Ambassador Karran that the Council has taken note of the information presented and urged him to keep the Council abreast of further developments.

In an unrelated development, Ambassador Bayney Karran was elected unopposed as Chairman of the OAS’ Committee for Hemispheric Security.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Georgetown
August 24, 2012

The Government of Guyana sincerely regrets the loss of life and injuries as events took an unfortunate turn for the worse this evening in Linden. The Government extends condolences and sympathies to the families of those who suffered injuries and loss of life.

A full investigation of the events would be held as soon as sufficient calm is restored.

The APNU and the AFC cannot avoid blame for these unfortunate developments. They organised and allowed their MPs, activists and extremists to lead protest against a thoughtful and sensitive programme for the gradual reform of the provision of electricity to the Linden community to deteriorate to such a point of violence and destruction.

The government reiterates that the gradual increase in tariffs for linden did not warrant such violent behaviour especially when the rest of Guyana is paying the full rates.

The government reaffirms the right of people to peaceful protest and one that is protected in our country, however, disorder and mayhem which threatens life and property cannot be tolerated.

These activists joined a number of known extremist and agitators who seem to dedicate their lives to denigrating whatever this Government does and to erode the progress made in Guyana.

Allowing protest to lead to such loss and damage of property and destruction through fires must be avoided and condemned.

The government will do all that is possible to protect the people and property in the Linden community from such irresponsible and reckless leadership.

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 July 18, 2012

The Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and H.E. Brent Hardt, Ambassador of the United States of America today affixed their signatures to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) ‘Letter of Agreement Amendment’ in the main conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The document constitutes an amendment to the original Agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the United State of America on April 8, 2011 under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and will allow for the continuation of the work which had commenced under the original CBSI Agreement through the provision of additional funds in the amount of US$500,000. The amount in the Agreement of 2011 totaled USD 98,000.

These funds will be channeled to the existing Law Enforcement Professionalization Project, the Money Laundering/Financial project and a new project aimed at strengthening Guyana’s counternarcotics control capabilities.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
May 11, 2012

Guyana's Election to UN Bodies

Guyana was today elected by acclamation to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s fund (UNICEF) and to the Programme Coordination Board for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. Both appointments are for three year terms which commence on January 1, 2013. Both candidatures were endorsed by CARICOM member states and by the wider Group of Latin American and Caribbean States.

As the governing body of UNICEF the Executive Board provides intergovernmental support and oversight to UNICEF, reviews its activities and approves its policies, country programmes and budgets. The Board meets three times each calendar year.

The Programme Coordination Board serves as the governance structure of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and guides the work of the programme on issues concerning policy, strategy, finance monitoring and evaluation of the programme. The Executive Director of UNAIDS reports directly to the Programme Coordination Board.

The Executive Board of the United Nations Children’s fund (UNICEF) comprises 36 members while the Programme Coordination Board comprises 22 members with both agencies members representing the five geographical regions. Members are elected for three year terms.

As a member of the Executive Board of UNICEF and the Programme Coordination Board of UNAIDS, Guyana will play an active and constructive part to help guide the activities and policies of both agencies during its term.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 27, 2011

 

Presentation of Letter of Commission by Consul General of Guyana, Barbados.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to announce that on April 25, 2012, Mr Michael Brotherson presented his Letter of Commission as Consul General of Guyana to Barbados to the Honourable Maxine McLean, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Barbados.

The decision by the Government of Guyana to upgrade its consular representation in Barbados was taken in the light of the strong relationship between Guyana and Barbados and the increased contact between the two countries both at the Government and people to people levels. A permanent presence in Barbados would allow for improved consular services and the development of relations with the Guyanese Diaspora. The Government of Guyana will also work with the Government of Barbados through its Consul General to promote trade and investment and bilateral cooperation in key areas.



Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 26, 2011
 

Guyana's Presentation to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)

Guyana today made its oral presentation in support of its submission for an extended continental shelf to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The presentation was made by the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York. Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. George Talbot, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, H.E. Keith George, Ambassador of Guyana to the Republic of Suriname, Ambassador Rudolph Collins, Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Newell Dennison, Manager, Petroleum Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Dr Barton Scotland, Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr Snejana Zaric and Dr Norbert Ott, Scientific Advisers of the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources also formed part of Guyana’s delegation.

This presentation forms part of the requirements for the consideration of the submissions for an extended continental shelf by States Parties of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It will be recalled that Guyana made its submission for an extended continental shelf to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on September 6 2011.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 11, 2011

Press Release in Response to Venezuela's Objection to Guyana's Submission to the CLCS

The Government of Guyana wishes to make clear that Guyana’s Submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), pursuant to Article 76 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the Convention), was done in a manner fully consistent with the provisions of international law, including the Convention. The Submission itself was made without prejudice to maritime delimitation with other States in accordance with the provisions of Article 76 (10) of the Convention. The decision of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to object to Guyana’s Submission to the CLCS is therefore deeply regrettable.

In recognition of the fact that the boundary with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was definitively settled by the Arbitral Award of 3rd October 1899, Guyana informed the CLCS, in its Submission, that “there are no disputes in the region relevant to this Submission of data and information relating to the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles." That statement remains legally and factually correct.

It should be noted that the Geneva Agreement of 17th February, 1966 was aimed at allowing the Parties to resolve the matter of the claim of nullity and invalidity of the Arbitral Award by Venezuela and not to reopen the question of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
March 15, 2012

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify that the revised visa policy adopted and put in place by the Government of Guyana in May 2011, applies only to persons travelling from those countries whose passport holders require a visa to enter Guyana.

The elements of this policy and the accompanying procedural guidelines can be found on the web sites of the Ministry of Home Affairs (http://moha.gov.gy) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (http://minfor.gov.gy).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
February 9, 2012

Ministers of Foreign Affairs of UNASUR met in an Extraordinary Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 24, 2011to examine and decide on some key issues on the regional agenda

As part of the on-going process aimed at strengthening the UNASUR integration mechanism, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of UNASUR met in an extraordinary session today to examine and decide on some key issues on the regional agenda. This meeting was chaired by the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana.

Among the issues discussed was the proposal by the Agencies and Electoral Authorities of UNASUR Member States to create an Electoral Council of UNASUR and it was agreed to the creation of working groups comprising Electoral Authorities and Government Officials of Member States which will examine the nature, structure and functioning of the proposed council as well as the criteria and norms for the mounting of UNASUR Electoral Missions.

The meeting also reviewed the conclusions of the Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Finance and Economy and Governors of Central Banks held in Argentina on August 12th. Most of the issues discussed relate to a mandate given to that Council by the Heads of State and Government to deliberate on an effective UNASUR response to the international financial crisis.

The Ministers recognised the valuable work of the UNASUR Mission in Haiti and agreed to recommend to the Heads of State and Government the extension of the UNASUR-Haiti Technical Secretariat to allow for the continuation of the programme of activities especially those related to institutional support, food security and housing.

The meeting also recognised the need for further institutional strengthening of UNASUR and in this regard mandated that the Council of Delegates commence discussions on the rules, structure and budget of the UNASUR General Secretariat.

The Ministers further congratulated the Secretary General for her dynamic leadership and agreed that the activities of UNASUR should be further consolidated in order to derive even greater benefit and growth of the integration mechanism.

With respect to the issues on the international agenda the Ministers exchanged views on those matters of interest and concern to the region.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana
August 24, 2011

Press Statement on the third Guyana/India Foreign Office Consultations

The Third Round of Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana and Ministry of External Affairs of India was convened on July 15, 2011 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Georgetown.

The Guyana delegation was led by the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs while the Indian delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Vivek Katju, Secretary of the Western Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Mr Katju paid courtesy calls on His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Samuel Hinds and Honourable Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett reaffirmed the sentiments conveyed by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo to the President of India H.E. Mrs. Pratibha Patil on the atrocity of the recent bombings which claimed innocent lives in Mumbai. She reiterated Guyana’s solidarity with India in that country’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett and Mr. Katju engaged in extensive and fruitful discussions on the political, economic, cultural, trade and technical aspects of bilateral cooperation between Guyana and India and shared ideas of new areas for cooperation between the two countries. They also took the opportunity to review projects and programmes under the 4th Guyana/India Joint Commission and to interact and exchange views on developments in their respective regions as well as those in the international arena, including the ongoing process of effecting reform within the United Nations.

The Consultations concluded with a shared commitment to work towards the further expansion and deepening of bilateral relations between Guyana and India.

The Consultative Mechanism was established on November 28, 2000, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in New Delhi, India. It aims to increase mutual understanding and cooperation between the Governments and peoples of the two countries and to provide a forum for interaction on international issues.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Georgetown, Guyana
July 15, 2011

Press Release on the Convening of the II Meeting of the Guyana/Brazil Frontier Committee

On April 6 and 7, 2011 representatives of the Governments of Guyana and Brazil met in Lethem for meetings of the Frontier Committee, the Bi-national Advisory Commission on Health on the Border and the Joint Commission on Police Cooperation and Drugs.

The Frontier Committee – meeting for its second time - addressed issues related to the movement of persons and cargo across the Guyana/Brazil border, the development of the border communities of Lethem and Bonfim, and the implementation of a Frontier Schools Project that will facilitate training in the English and Portuguese Languages for Guyanese and Brazilian students. The Frontier Schools Project is essentially a teacher exchange programme that will see six Brazilian teachers being sent to Guyana to conduct training in the Portuguese Language over a period of one year. These teachers will be stationed at schools in Georgetown, Annai, Aishalton and Lethem. Guyana will in turn send three teachers to Brazil to work at schools in Bonfim.

The border regions of Guyana have also been offered access to training in the production of flowers and fruits on a commercial basis as a means of income generation for these communities.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the areas of water management and land use.

The Bi-National Advisory Commission on Health on the Border discussed matters relating to the improvement of health services and agreed on a work programme that would allow for the implementation of initiatives in specific areas particularly in the exchange of information, capacity building for medical personnel of both sides and patient referral procedures. The Bi-National Advisory Commission reports to the Frontier Committee.

The Joint Commission on Police Cooperation and Drugs exchanged views on issues pertaining to crime and security and agreed to the sharing of information to combat organized crime and to improve joint border control mechanisms. They also discussed the possibility of judicial cooperation.

The Guyana/Brazil Frontier Committee was created on September 14, 2009 at the time of the Inauguration Ceremony for the Takutu River Bridge with the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding. The Frontier Committee seeks to enhance the integration of the communities on the Guyana/Brazil border by proposing cooperation initiatives in the areas of urban development, education and health surveillance among others.

The Guyana delegation comprised officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Education, Health, Home Affairs, Housing and Water, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority, as well as the Regional Chairman of Region 9 and representatives of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation was led by Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Brazilian delegation comprised officials from the Ministry of External Relations, officials from the Governor’s Office of the State of Roraima and representatives from the Federal and State Agencies as well as the Private Sector. The Brazilian delegation was led by Counsellor Carla Barroso Carneiro, Head of the Department of Americas IV of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 14, 2011

H.E. Dr. M. Odeen Ishmael, Ambassador of the Republic of Guyana to the State of Kuwait presented his Letters of Credentials to His Highness Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that His Excellency Mohamed Ali Odeen Ishmael CCH was on April 5, 2011 received by His Highness Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait as the Republic of Guyana‘s first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Kuwait.

The presentation of Ambassador Ishmael’s Credentials represents an important step in the strengthening of Guyana/Kuwait relations. In their audience following the presentation of Credentials, His Highness the Amir expressed a warm welcome to Ambassador Ishmael whose presence and the establishment of Guyana’s Embassy in Kuwait, he viewed as indicators of the expansion of closer relations between the two countries. In response Ambassador Ishmael conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo to the Amir and commended him for his positive stance on climate change and his forthright support for the expansion of small business in the Arab and developing countries. Ambassador Ishmael also informed of his interest in promoting greater economic cooperation between Guyana and Kuwait.

Prior to taking up his appointment in Kuwait, Ambassador Ishmael served in Washington from June 1993 to October 2003 and in Venezuela from November 2003 to January 2011.

Guyana and Kuwait established diplomatic relations on August 17, 1995.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
GEORGETOWN
APRIL 7, 2011

Message of Condolence from H.E. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana to Honourable Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan:

“Dear Prime Minister,

The Government and people of the Republic of Guyana join me in extending deep condolences on the devastation and loss of lives caused by the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan earlier today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan in the face of this catastrophic natural disaster and it is our hope that Japan will soon be able to rebound from its crippling effects.

Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana”

March 11, 2011

Message of Condolence from H.E. President Bharrat Jagdeo to The Right Honourable John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, on the recent earthquake:

“Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of New Zealand for the tragic loss of lives and damages sustained in the earthquake which struck the city of Christchurch on February 22, 2011.

We share your sorrow and grief during this difficult hour and pray that the people of Christchurch will soon rebound from this tragedy and that the lives of those affected will soon return to a level of normalcy.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your country’s swift recovery.

Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana”

Message of congratulations to His Excellency Sebastian Pinera, President of the Republic of Chile from His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana:

“Excellency,

I would like to convey my personal congratulations to you on the successful operation which led to the rescue of the thirty three miners, an operation which benefited from innovative strategies and methodical planning by your Government.

This historic event captured the spirit of perseverance which has united the people of Chile over the past sixty nine days. The people of Guyana join me in commending all of the officials and personnel involved in this initiative which you led with such wisdom and personal commitment.

Above all, we salute the miners who demonstrated remarkable fortitude throughout their ordeal, their faith strengthened no doubt by the outpouring of solidarity from the entire nation of Chile.

In confronting and overcoming a challenge which many thought was insurmountable, the Chilean Government and people have gained respect due from our region and the international community as a whole.

Please extend my best wishes to the miners and their families and accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Bharrat Jagdeo
President of the Republic of Guyana”

GOVERNMENT OF GUYANA CONDEMNS THREATS TO CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNANCE IN ECUADOR

The Government of Guyana has noted with deep concern the threats to constitutional governance in the Republic of Ecuador and joins with other States in the hemisphere in calling for the immediate return to the rule of law in that State.

The Government of Guyana condemns the attacks that have been taking place in the Ecuadorian capital and other cities and calls on the law enforcement agencies in Ecuador to remain faithful to their constitutional mandates. Guyana calls on the elements of the law enforcement agencies in Ecuador that have participated in actions that have the potential to undermine constitutional governance and law and order in that country, to immediately desist from such acts.

In keeping with the principles laid down in the Inter-American Democratic Charter the Government of Guyana remains fully in solidarity with President Rafael Correa and his Government as they seek to protect the constitution of Ecuador and the Ecuadorian people. Guyana abhors attacks on constitutional governance and democratically elected governments and will continue to closely monitor the situation in Ecuador.

Georgetown, September 30, 2010

Update on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS):

As you will be aware, Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has attracted considerable local and international attention.

On Tuesday July 13, 2010, His Excellency, President Jagdeo and Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg announced that the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) will be set up within the next month. Norway will pay Guyana US$30 million for the climate services provided by Guyana’s forest this year, and intend to pay US$250 million by 2015.

These payments will be invested in Guyana’s LCDS, with between US$40 and US$60 million being invested as the Government’s equity in the Amaila Hydro-electricity project. Yesterday, in Shanghai, President Jagdeo witnessed the signature of a framework agreement between the other four parties – Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Sithe Global Amaila Holdings (a subsidiary of the United States Blackstone Group), the China Development Bank, and the China Railway First Group.

Guyana’s continued advocacy for an equitable and effective global climate agreement also continued this week. On Monday July 12, 2010, President Jagdeo joined UK Secretary of State for the Environment, Chris Huhne M.P., Lord Nicholas Stern and Caio Koch-Weser to brief the Permanent Representatives of the members of the United Nations. The briefing took place in the United Nations General Assembly Hall.

On Monday July 12th night and Tuesday July 13th, 2010, His Excellency the President joined the United Nations Secretary General for the second meeting of the Secretary General's Advisory Group on Finance (AGF). This group has been tasked with coming up with recommendations on how the developed world can generate US$100 billion in annual climate finance by 2020, and consists of twenty Heads of Government, Ministers and global experts.

Here are some recent press releases, summarizing this week’s progress:

Guyana and Norway establish REDD+ Investment Fund. Read Here

President Jagdeo and Secretary General of United Nations call for delivery on climate change financing. Read Here

Climate Change Unit
Office of the President
July 16, 2010

Media release on the Waiver of Visa Requirements for Haitian Business Persons who are holders of US, Canadian and Schengen visas

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at their 31st Meeting held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 4-7, 2010 agreed to put in place arrangements for the waiver of visa requirements for Haitian business persons desirous of travelling to other CARICOM Member States and who are in possession of valid United States of America, Canadian or Schengen visas.

Consequent to this policy decision taken by the CARICOM Heads of Government and in keeping with a commitment given by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo at the aforementioned Heads of Government Meeting that the arrangement will be in place immediately, the waiver of visarequirements for Haitian business persons travelling to Guyana and who possess the abovementioned visas has been put into effect by the Government of Guyana.

This latest development is another demonstration of the commitment of the Government of Guyana to the rebuilding of Haiti, whereby the private sector of Haiti is further facilitated to participate meaningfully and effectively in the rebuilding and development process of Haiti. It is also a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the regional integration process.

It should be noted that Guyana had earlier concluded a reciprocal Agreement with the Government of Haiti for the abolition of visas for persons holding diplomatic, service and official passports. This was another CARICOM Heads of Government decision issued some time ago.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
JULY 16, 2010.

ACP-EU Council Join Forces on Climate Change and MDGs

The 35th Session of the Joint African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) Council of Ministers (Joint ACP-EU Council) held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, concluded on Tuesday June 22, 2010 with Joint Declarations on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Climate Change.

The Council adopted the two Declarations as a basis for further strengthening their common position and raising the visibility and voice of the ACP and EU at the forthcoming UN High Level Meeting of the MDGs in New York in September, and the UNFCC Conference on Climate Change in Cancun, Mexico later this year.

The ACP represents more than 30 of the Least developed Countries (LDCs) in the world, the majority of Small Island and Developing States (SIDS), where "climate-related extreme weather phenomena is more frequent, severe and intense". The Joint Council acknowledged climate change to be a "crucial global challenge, threatening inter alia the attainment of the MDGs" and thus "demands urgent and cooperative action underpinned by the principles of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities."

The Council also stressed "the urgent need for the operationalization and disbursement of the fast start financing" and that "new and additional resources, necessary for financing adaptation should be prioritized for the most vulnerable developing countries."

In welcoming the commitment made by the EU to the fast start funding with € 2.4 billion annually for 2010 -12, the Council recognized "the need for resources to be disbursed through existing mechanisms and channels without additional conditionalities".

On the MDGs, it was stressed that "many ACP countries are not on track to reach the MDGs by 2015" and that considerable work remains to be done prioritising those most off track, notably in the regions and countries most lagging behind, especially in Sub Sahara Africa and the LDCs", with countries in situations of conflict and fragility needing special attention.

The Joint Council underscored that Official Development Assistance (ODA) is "an indispensable element of a meaningful global development partnership and can contribute to leveraging other financial resources". It called on all international donors- including new and emerging partners -to raise their level of ambition and to increase their ODA efforts to a level similar to the EU - of 0.7% GNI by 2015 - thus contributing their fair share to the financing of global development efforts".

At the meeting, the ACP side had expressed deep regret that having gathered to sign the Revised Cotonou Agreement covering political dialogue, trade and development cooperation with the EU, the EU had indicated that it could not announce an indicative figure or support a Joint Declaration on the amount of financial resources that would be available after 2013 which marks the end of the EU's current budget cycle.

However, in a political statement by the Co-President of the Joint Council, Foreign Minister Angel Maratijnos of Spain, which holds the current rotating EU Presidency, the assurance was given that increase and additional funding would be available at the time of the next EU budget cycle 2014-2020.

The Joint Council concluded with the signing of the Second 5 Year Revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the ACP Group and the EU designed to cover the period 2000 to 2020.

June 23, 2010
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release on the Launching of the Revised Low Carbon Development Strategy, May 24, 2010. Read Here

President Jagdeo receives 2010 Champion of the Earth Award from UNEP - will donate US$40,000 prize to Amerindian communities.

Lord Nicholas Stern describes President as “one of the world’s foremost heads of government in advocating for a global low carbon future”.

His Excellency, Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana has been awarded the 2010 Champions of the Earth Award by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). President Jagdeo received the prestigious award for his outstanding international leadership on combating climate change and his pioneering model on low carbon economic development. The Award was presented to the President at the 4th Annual Business for Environment (B4E) Global Summit and UNEP Champions of the Earth Award gala event in Seoul, South Korea on April 22.

In presenting the prestigious award, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Environmental Programme Executive Director Achim Steiner, stated that, “President Jagdeo is a powerful advocate of the need to conserve and more intelligently manage the planet’s natural and nature-based assets. He has recognized more than most the multiple Green Economy benefits of forests in terms of combating climate change, but also in terms of development; employment; improved water supplies and the conservation of biodiversity.”

Immediate congratulations were sent by Lord Nicholas Stern, widely credited with changing global understanding of the economic impact of climate change. Lord Stern said: “I warmly congratulate President Jagdeo, with whom I serve on the UN Secretary General's Advisory Group for Climate Finance. He has been one of the world's foremost heads of government in advocating for a global low carbon future, and his tireless advocacy, particularly on the urgent need to protect the world's forests, has made a tremendous contribution to the international climate change agenda. I know that he shares my view that a future high carbon world is one of disaster, and we must re-double our international efforts to build a prosperous, low carbon future."

According to the UNEP, the award is given to ‘people and organizations truly distinguished’ when it comes to making a real difference in protecting the planet earth’. UNEP’s Champions of the Earth Awards honours the ‘best and brightest as they strive to take action for our planet through their visionary thinking, unwavering dedication and committed action towards the sustainable use of the planet’s resources for global green growth’.

2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai said: "I would like to congratulate President Jagdeo on becoming a 'Champion of the Earth'. His tireless work to keep the world's attention on the importance of saving our forests has been an inspiration to many across the world. His leadership continues to remind us that progress is possible and that we can save the world's forests while at the same time fostering prosperity and improving the lives of our people". Professor Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. She was the first African woman to win the prize.

The Champions of the Earth Award for President Jagdeo comes on the heels of other significant recognition of President Jagdeo’s pioneering and aggressive policies on sustainable economic growth through Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The strategy is premised on the concept of Avoided Deforestation which allows Guyana’s 15 million hectares of rainforest to serve as a carbon sink, a process that is critical to combating global climate change. Deforestation accounts for about 20% of human-generated greenhouse emissions. This year, Guyana will receive payments for avoided greenhouse gas emissions, and will soon start investing those payments in a new low carbon economy. This will remove virtually the entire energy sector from fossil fuel dependence, and will catalyse new economic sectors to provide Guyanese with valuable economic alternatives that do not put pressure on Guyana’s forests. To support the LCDS, the Governments of Guyana and Norway have agreed a ground-breaking model where Norway will pay US$250 million towards Guyana’s forest climate services between now and 2015. This is the second largest deal of its kind in the world.

In 2008 President Jagdeo was named by TIME Magazine as a Hero of the Environment.

The President is also currently serving on a UN High Level Advisory Panel on Climate Change Financing. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appointed President Jagdeo to the High Level Panel along with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, and the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg.

Past winners of the Champions of the Earth Award include Al Gore, Thabo Mbeki, Mikhail Gorbachev; Prince Albert II of Monaco; Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordon, the King of Bhutan; and Eric Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development (Norway).

The UNEP Champions of the Earth Award is the highest environmental award given by the United Nations.

President Jagdeo has stated that his US$40,000 prize money will be donated to Amerindian communities in Guyana.

April 22, 2010

Government Information Agency (GINA)

Office of the United Nations Secretary General announces appointment of Professor Norman Girvan as Personal Representative in the Guyana/Venezuela controversy.

The Office of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), H.E. Ban Ki Moon, today informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of the appointment of Professor Norman Girvan as his Personal Representative to support him in his role as Good Officer to assist Guyana and Venezuela in the search for a practical settlement of the controversy that emerged from the Venezuelan contention that the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 is null and void. That Award definitively established the territorial boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.

Professor Girvan is an internationally renowned Caribbean economist, academic and international civil servant. He also brings to the post valuable experience as a former Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The position of Special Representative has been vacant since the death in January 2007 of Mr. Oliver Jackman, who served as the Personal Representative from October 1999 to January 2007.

The Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela met with the United Nations Secretary General in his office at UN Headquarters, New York, in October 2009 to seek the resuscitation of the Good Offices Process through the appointment of a Personal Representative. The two Foreign Ministers had agreed to jointly meet with the Secretary General of the United Nations on this matter during the Official Visit of Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to Caracas on July 11, 2009. The announcement of the appointment of Professor Girvan is an outcome of that meeting.

The Government of Guyana welcomes the appointment of Professor Girvan which would now enable Guyana and Venezuela to resuscitate discussions under the Good Offices process of the United Nations Secretary General on a means of settlement of the controversy.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

April 20, 2010

The Office of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett ( Mrs. ), M.P., has issued a press statement advising the public that the Government of Guyana will observe the International Year for People of African descent in 2011. The statement in its entirety reads as follows:

Guyana to Observe International Year for People of African Descent in 2011

On December 18, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 64/169 by consensus, thereby proclaiming the year beginning on 1 January 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent, with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture. The Assembly also encouraged Member States, the specialized agencies of the United Nations system, within their respective mandates and existing resources, and civil society to make preparations for and identify possible initiatives that can contribute to the success of the Year.

The Government of Guyana recognises and values highly the unique contribution that Guyanese of African descent have made to our country’s history and culture and to Guyana’s rich multi-ethnic heritage. We view the International Year as providing a distinct opportunity to further promote greater awareness and understanding by all Guyanese of this important legacy as well as to contribute further to the fashioning of a harmonious society based on mutual respect and appreciation.

In keeping with this United Nations resolution the Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, will announce a national programme of events and activities aimed at recognising and paying fitting tribute to the rich legacy of people of African descent globally and their special contribution to Guyana’s formation and development as a nation. The Government of Guyana looks forward to the active collaboration and participation of all Guyanese in making the International Year for People of African Descent a success.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

GEORGETOWN – APRIL 6, 2010

Office of the President dismayed over Associated Press report

The Office of the President is dismayed at the grossly inaccurate and misleading report by the Associated Press (AP) out of Georgetown today attributing statements to President Bharrat Jagdeo that he did not make.
At no time during his press conference at the Office of the President on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, did the President say that “Iranian scientists will identify uranium deposits using updated technology” in Guyana as AP claimed.
This is totally inaccurate and the Office of the President urges AP to immediately retract and correct the report by its Georgetown correspondent who was not even at the press conference.
For the record, President Jagdeo said Iran has agreed to deploy its world class geo-scientific techniques to help Guyana accurately map its mineral wealth deposits and an Iranian mission is due here soon to begin working with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on the project.

The President noted that because Iran is in a very active earthquake region, it has developed world class geo sciences labs and uses the same science employed to predict earthquakes to map mineral potential and resources.
Guyana has long lacked this capability and because of the absence of data on its mineral resources, it has relied on investors to seek prospecting licences and then develop a project in a “hit and miss way”, he said.
The Iran offer opens new vistas and the President said GGMC Head, Mr. William Woolford is excited about the prospects.
There was no mention of “uranium deposits” or any other mineral and the Office of the President deplores this disgustingly misleading report aimed at sensationalism.
The President also reported that Iran will provide Guyana with a US$1.5M grant for the health sector and did not say that Iran will send doctors to fill shortages at state hospitals as AP claimed.

The Office of the President hopes that AP will take the necessary course to avoid a repeat of such despicable reporting by its Guyana correspondent.

Press and Publicity Unit
Office of the President
Shiv Chanderpaul Drive
Georgetown
January 27, 2010

Joint press statement issued by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of

Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following their meeting with

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday October 9, 2009.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, Her Excellency Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela, His Excellency Nicolás Maduro Moros, today met with United Nations

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to brief him on recent developments in the border

controversy between their two countries and made a joint recommendation for the

appointment of a new personal representative to help advance the search for a solution.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the Good Offices process under the

auspices of the United Nations within the framework of the Geneva Agreement of 1966.

They welcomed the Secretary-General’s personal commitment to assisting the two

countries and his undertaking to appoint a new personal representative to advance the

process. The Ministers expressed their determination to work towards a peaceful

resolution of the controversy and renewed their commitment to strengthening the

relations existing between their two countries.

New York

October 9, 2009

August 18, 2009

“Excellency,

On the occasion your country’s Independence Day, I wish to extend to you and through you to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, sincere congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana.

I look forward to the maintenance of the friendly relations which exist between our two countries.  Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and success and for  the further progress and prosperity of the Pakistani people.

Bharrat Jagdeo

President of the Republic of Guyana.”

July 12, 2009

 HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MAKES ONE DAY VISIT TO THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, M.P. paid a one day official visit to Caracas, Venezuela on Saturday July 11, 2009.  The Honourable Minister was met by her Venezuelan counter-part His Excellency Nicolas Maduro at the National Pantheon of Venezuela where she laid a wreath in honour of the national heroes of Venezuela, including the Liberator Simon Bolivar.

During their meetings held later that day, the two Foreign Ministers agreed on a work programme in several areas of interest including the resumption of the Good Offices Process of the United Nations Secretary General which is aimed at assisting both Guyana and Venezuela in the search for a peaceful resolution of the controversy in relation to the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899, the advancement of the construction of the shelter for the homeless in Guyana, assistance in the area of non-traditional agriculture and dairy sectors, the dredging of the Mahaica/ Mahaicony and Abary river mouths, proposed construction of a road link and proposed cooperation programmes under the Guyana/Venezuela High Level Bilateral Commission (HLBC). It was agreed that the HLBC will meet in Venezuela in November 2009, but the Guyana/Venezuela Mixed Commission which oversees cooperation aimed at combating the illicit trade in drugs will meet as soon as possible.  Discussions were also held on the proposal by Venezuela for a gas pipeline connecting Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname.

Concerning the situation in Honduras, the two Foreign Ministers reiterated their hope that there can be a speedy and peaceful return to constitutional government in that country.  Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was accompanied by Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Director General, Mr. Keith George, Director of the Frontiers Department and Ms Heather Seelochan, Charge d’Affaires (ad interim) of the Guyana Embassy in Caracas.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Georgetown
July 12, 2009

January 21, 2009

TEXT OF CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE SENT BY PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

“Mr. President,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I am pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of your historic inauguration as the 44^th President of the United States of America.

During your term of office as President of the United States of America, please be assured that my Government is committed to working with you to build on the programme of cooperation between our two countries; as well as collaboration at the regional and hemispheric levels with a view to tackling critical issues affecting our region.

I look forward to the opportunity of engaging in dialogue with you at the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in April of this year. I firmly believe that the Summit will present an important forum at which the leaders of our hemisphere could seek to find workable solutions to pertinent issues such as security, narco-trafficking, energy security and climate change. These are issues, among others, that continue to have a profound effect on both our countries.

Please accept, Mr. President, my best wishes for a successful term of office and for your continued good health and well being.              

                                                            Bharrat Jagdeo

                                       President of the Republic of Guyana”

November 5, 2008

TEXT OF MESSAGE SENT TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“Senator Barack Obama

President-elect of the United States of America,

The Government and people of the Republic of Guyana join me in extending warm congratulations to you on your victory in what has been a historic and unprecedented election for President of the United States of America.

The mandate conferred upon you is proof of the confidence of the people of the United States of America in your capacity to lead and in your inspiring vision for their great country.  It is also a testimony to the integrity of the democratic traditions and values which are upheld by the countries of our hemisphere.

I wish you every success as you prepare to undertake the duties of your high office.                  

                                                                                    Bharrat Jagdeo

                                                              President of the Republic of Guyana”

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
November 5, 2008

October 14, 2008

The Government of Guyana has today confirmed that the Guyanese registered MV Lady Chandra 1 was seized by the Surinamese military at 13.30 hrs while travelling in the Corentyne River, which enjoys the status of a border river separating Guyana and Suriname.

MV Lady Chandra 1 has reportedly been boarded by the Surinamese and is being escorted by three military vessels to the Surinamese port of Nickerie.

This provocation is the latest in the series that has seen recurrent interventions by the Surinamese against Guyanese shipping in the Corentyne River.

Previously, Guyana had formally dispatched a diplomatic note protesting to the Government of Suriname against such actions, all to no avail and without any response.

In its Sept 17th arbitral award, the ITLOS Tribunal that had ruled on the maritime dispute between Guyana and Suriname found that the resort to the use of Force by Suriname offended international norms and practices.

Guyana, in responding to this latest action, is closely monitoring this development and intends to  take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests.

Additionally, this most recent act of provocation is being drawn to the attention of the Secretaries General of both the United Nations and CARICOM.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
October 14, 2008

September 19, 2008

Message sent by the Honourable Carolyn Rodrigue-Birkett to the Honourable Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belize on the occasion of the 27th Independence Anniversary – celebrated September 19, 2008.

"Dear Colleague,

I wish to express my sincere congratulations to you on the occasion of your country’s 27th Independence Anniversary.

It is my desire that both our countries will continue to find ways to strengthen the friendly relations which exist between our two countries.

Please accept, Colleague the assurances of my highest consideration and my best wishes for your continued good health and success.

                                                                     Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

                                                Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana”

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 19, 2008

September 11, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent the following National Day message

to His Excellency Kim Jong-Il, Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the Occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the DPRK.

“Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you and through you to the Government and people of the Democratic People’s Republic of  Korea, warm congratulations on the occasion of the 60^th Anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People’s Republic of  Korea.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, our two countries have enjoyed friendly relations based on mutual respect and cooperation.  It is my hope that in the coming years we could together find new innovative ways of enhancing our existing cooperation programme.

Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and well-being and for the future progress and prosperity of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

                                                                          Bharrat Jagdeo                                     

                                                             President of the Republic of Guyana.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.  

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 11, 2008 

September 10, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent a message of condolence to His Excellency Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State and Minister of the Republic of Cuba on the destruction caused by the tropical storms and hurricanes.

“Excellency,

I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of lives and the widespread destruction to property caused by the recent wave of tropical storms and hurricanes.

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, I offer my heartfelt sympathy to you and to the people of Cuba, especially those affected by this catastrophic event.

Through their firm resolve, I am confident that the people of Cuba will soon overcome this setback and continue on the path of development.

Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                              Bharrat Jagdeo                          

                                           President of the Republic of Guyana”                                                                                                                                                             

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 10, 2008

September 5, 2008

GUYANA - EPA CONSULTATIONS

Guyana International Convention Center, Georgetown

5 September 2008

STAKEHOLDERS’ CONSENSUS STATEMENT

Stakeholders in Guyana today roundly condemned the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) initialed last December by the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) and the European Commission.

Senior representatives of the government, the opposition political parties, the trade union movement, the private sector, religious bodies and other non-governmental organizations unanimously called on regional leaders not to sign it in its present form.

They expressed particular concern about the implications of the EPA for the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.

Karl Falkenberg, the EU chief negotiator and Henry Gill, the head of the CRNM participated in the National Consultations which were called by President Bharrat Jagdeo and in which he played a prominent role.

The stakeholders expressed their deep concern that their meeting took place in an environment in which all CARIFORUM countries have been threatened by the EU with the application of higher tariffs on their principal exports into the European Union unless they signed the EPA.

They voiced their strong disappointment over many aspects of the EPA, but particularly over the inclusion in it of the so-called “Singapore issues” – investment, competition and government procurement – which remain contentious and unsettled in the World Trade Organisation.  They also expressed deep concern over the fracture of ACP solidarity which has been a beneficial hallmark to the Caribbean in its trade relations with the EU.

The meeting was affronted when Falkenberg indicated that the EU expects the Guyana government and other Caribbean governments to sign the agreement without further discussion despite the fact that, until the EPA was initialed, there was no factual basis for consultation with stakeholders.

Stakeholders were also deeply disturbed that the EU representative would not accept a proposal from President Jagdeo that Guyana would sign a “goods only” agreement that was fully compatible with WTO requirements while negotiations continue on trade in services and the “Singapore Issues”.  Several overseas and local trade experts at the meeting were adamant that for the EPA to be compatible with WTO requirements, only a “goods” agreement was necessary.

It was emphasized that it is only the Caribbean that has initialed a full EPA.  Other regions and countries have initialed “goods only” agreements, and many others are still negotiating with the EU.

The meeting collectively mandated President Jagdeo to advise CARICOM Heads of Government at their meeting on September 10th that Guyana is willing to sign a “goods only” agreement now which would allow the EPA to be signed with enough time to renegotiate its development aspects, the “Singapore issues” and services which offer little real opportunities to Caribbean businesses but open the regional market to European service providers.

The meeting noted that an ACP Summit will be held on October 2 and 3 in Ghana and expressed alarm at the prospect of the Caribbean signing a full EPA virtually on the eve of an ACP Summit called to discuss the EPA among other issues.  The stakeholders urged President Jagdeo to send a high level delegation to the ACP Summit to exchange views with ACP partners on the issues that have arisen in the Caribbean and other regions of the ACP group on the EPA negotiations.

Stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the invited panelists who were: Dr Roger Hosein, Ms Emily Jones, Mrs Shantal Munro-Knight, Sir Ronald Sanders, Dr Christopher Stevens, Sir Shridath Ramphal and Professor Clive Thomas.

September 4, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent the following National Day message to His Excellency H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil - September 04, 2008

Excellency,

As you celebrate yet another important milestone in your countryʼs history I am indeed pleased to extend on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana and in my own name heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you and to the Government and people of the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The people of Guyana value the close ties of friendship and cooperation which have characterized the relationship between our two countries over the years.

It is my hope that these relations will be further enhanced in the coming years as together we continue to pursue new and innovative ways of building a better and secure future for our peoples.

Please accept Excellency my wishes for your personal well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Brazil.

                                                       Bharrat Jagdeo                                                                    

                                   President of the Republic of Guyana

Honourable Carolyn Rodgriues-Birkett, M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs has sent the following congratulatory message to His Excellency Celso Amorim, Minister of External Relations of Brazil.

Dear Colleague,

                       I wish to extend my personal best wishes to you as you celebrate the 186th Independence Anniversary of your country.             

                      Our two countries have enjoyed a long tradition of close friendship and collaboration and it is my hope that we can work together to build upon these relations for the benefit of our two countries and people.  I therefore look forward to meeting you in the near future to begin our dialogue in this regard.

                      Please accept Excellency my best wishes for your continued good health and well being.

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana                 

Editors are invited to publish the two messages.

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
September 4, 2008

August 21, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent the following National Day messages to:

1.    Her Excellency Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India on the occasion of that country’s 61st Independence anniversary, and,             

2.    His Majesty Mizam Zainal Abidin, Saltan of Malaysia on that country’s 51st Independence anniversary.

The messages read as follows: 

NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO PRESIDENT OF GUYANA TO HER EXCELLENCY PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, PRESIDENT OF INDIA

“Excellency,

The occasion of your country’s 61st Independence Anniversary, offers

me the opportunity to express on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana and on my own behalf, our most heartfelt wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the Republic of India.

We greatly value the firm relationship which has evolved between our two countries and remain committed to the further strengthening of these relations in the years ahead.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and success

                                                Bharrat Jagdeo

                                      President of the Republic of Guyana.”

NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO TO HIS MAJESTY MIZAN ZAINAL ABIDIN OF TERENGGANU, SULTAN OF MALAYSIA

“Excellency,  

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana and on my own behalf, I wish to extend best wishes to the Government and people of Malaysia on the occasion of your country’s 51st Independence anniversary.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 32 years ago, our two countries have maintained friendly relations both at the bilateral and international levels.  It is my hope that these relations will be further enhanced in the coming years for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and success, and for the further progress and prosperity of the Malaysian peoples.          

                                                Bharrat Jagdeo

                                    President of the Republic of Guyana..”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in

publishing this news item

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 21, 2008

August 20, 2008

During the period 22nd to 31st August, 2008 Guyana will be hosting Carifesta X. The return of this Festival to our shores for the first time since the inaugural celebrations took place in Guyana in 1972 is a special occasion for all of Guyana.

To honour this memorable occasion, the Bank of Guyana will be issuing a special commemorative coin. The G$2000 denomination Brilliant Uncirculated coin is made of cupro-nickel and was minted in limited quantity by the North American Mint Incorporated.

The reverse of this commemorative coin depicts the Carifesta logo designed by Keith Bernard while the obverse depicts the National Coat of Arms of Guyana.

The coins will be available for sale to the public from 21st August, 2008, at the Bank of Guyana at a price of $3,800.00 each.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 20, 2008

August 14, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent a National Day message to His Excellency Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia. The message reads as follows:

“Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, I wish to extend our heartiest felicitations and best wishes to you and through you, to the Government and people of the Republic of Indonesia, on the occasion of your country’s 63^rd Independence Anniversary

I look forward to the continued advancement of our efforts to strengthen the cordial relations which exist between Guyana and Indonesia for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Republic of Indonesia.

                                                                          Bharrat Jagdeo

                                                           President of the Republic of Guyana.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 14, 2008

August 14, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent a National Day message to His Excellency S.R. Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore. The message reads as follows:

“Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, I wish to extend to your Excellency and through you to the Government and people of the Republic of Singapore, our heartiest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the celebration of your country’s Independence Anniversary.

I wish to assure you of my Government’s commitment to the further development of the friendly and cooperative relations which exist between Guyana and Singapore for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued good health and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Singapore.

                                                                          Bharrat Jagdeo

                                                            President of the Republic of Guyana.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 14, 2008

August 13, 2008

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo  has sent a congratulatory message to His Excellency Mr. Hu Jintao President of the People’s Republic of China for a successful Olympic Games. The message reads as follows:

“Excellency,

On this very special occasion in the history of the People’s Republic of China, I wish to extend on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, warm congratulations and best wishes for the successful hosting of the 29^th Summer Olympic Games.

I believe that the Olympic Games will promote significant national development and raise even more the international profile of China.

The national pride demonstrated by the people of China in the preparation for this event is to be highly commended and Guyana applauds your country’s efforts to ensure a safe and successful 29^th Olympiad.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                   Bharrat Jagdeo

                                                          President of the Republic of Guyana”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.

Thank you.

Errol Tiwari
Director
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 13, 2008
                                      

July 30, 2008

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform editors that Guyana’s Ambassador to Brussels, H.E. Patrick Ignatius (P.I.) Gomes and the President of IFAD, Lennart Bage, signed an agreement at the IFAD headquarters in Rome on July 24, 2008 for giving assistance to farmers to diversify their agricultural production.

The US$6.93 million Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development project to help Guyanese small producers diversify agricultural production and sell their produce at national and international markets, is supported by IFAD to the amount of a US$2.8 million loan to Guyana.  The loan has been provided to Government on highly concessional terms and a non-reimbursable grant of the same amount.

The Government of Guyana will contribute US$850,000 and the project participants themselves will provide an additional US$320,000.

The new project is geared to assist small farmers to find alternative sources of income in non-traditional agricultural products such as root crops, vegetables, tropical fruits and spices, and livestock products.

Some 5,200 poor rural households from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 will benefit from better access to financial and other capital services, as well as training in the areas of enterprise development, marketing, and organizational and social development.

IFAD has so far financed three rural development and poverty eradication projects in Guyana for a total commitment of US$22.2 million.

IFAD was created 30 years ago to tackle rural poverty.  It is a specialized United Nations agency and since 1978 has invested more than US$10 billion in low interest loans and grants that have helped over 300 million poor rural men and women increase their incomes.

Editors are invited to publish the release. 

Errol Tiwari
Head
Information & Public Dept.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2008-07-30

July 10, 2008

Congratulatory message from His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana to the newly elected Prime Minister of Grenada, Mr. Tillman Thomas of the National Democratic Congress

His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo has sent a Congratulatory Message to the Honourable Tillman Thomas of the National Democratic Congress, and newly-elected Prime Minister of Grenada. 

The Message to the Prime Minister-elect of Grenada reads as follows:

"His Excellency,

  On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm congratulations to you and the National Democratic Congress, on your victory at the polls on July 8th, 2008.

   I wish you every success as you take up the mantle of leadership and look forward to working with you at both the bilateral and regional levels as we seek to consolidate the integration process of the Caribbean Region and to improve the well being of our peoples.

                                                                    Bharrat Jagdeo

                                                  President of the Republic of Guyana"

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would appreciate your kind assistance in publishing this news item.

Thank you.

Errol I. P. Tiwari
Head
Information & Public Affairs Department
July 10, 2008.

May 23, 2008

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform editors that the following message was transmitted to His Excellency Hu Jintao, President of the People’s Republic of China following the recent earthquake in the Sichuan province by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo. 

Text reads;

“Excellency, 

The Government and people of the Republic of Guyana join me in extending heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the loss of lives and damage to property in the recent earthquake in the Sichuan province. 

Our prayers and sympathies are with the bereaved families and all those affected by this natural disaster.  We hope that through the resilient spirit of the Chinese people, the country will soon be able to rebound from this tragedy. 

Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. 

Bharrat Jagdeo

President of the Republic of Guyana” 

Editors are invited to publicize the message. 

May 23, 2008

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform editors that the following Congratulatory Message was transmitted to His Excellency Leonel Fernandes, President of the Dominican Republic on his success at the General Elections held on May 16, 2008, by His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Text reads;

“Excellency,

I am pleased to convey to you, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, and on my own behalf, heartiest congratulations to you and your Party on your victor in the General Elections held on May 16, 2008.

As you return to Office as President of the Dominican Republic, may I assure you of the continuing friendship and support of the Government and people of Guyana for the further development of the existing good relations between our two countries.

I look forward to working closely with you both at the regional and bilateral levels to build upon these relations for the benefit of our two countries and peoples. 

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and my best wishes for another successful term of office.