By Michael Younge
Bilateral relations between Guyana and South Africa are expected to be improved significantly, as the government of Guyana has officially established a new high commission in one of that country’s three capitals, Pretoria, following the appointment of Barbara Halley as the new chargé d’affaires.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said Halley was appointed over a month ago and was in South Africa, assisting with the completion of the premises where the commission will be housed.
She explained that President Donald Ramotar approved the establishment of the high commission and supported the process to ensure that it became a reality.
“The reason we have not yet made an announcement on this matter is, because we are just completing the premises of the high commission in South Africa,” she reiterated during an exclusive interview with this newspaper.
Rodrigues-Birkett said the Foreign Affairs Ministry will soon move to make pertinent details known about the commission. She underscored the importance of improving the relations between the countries, given their collective histories and diplomatic friendship which dates back centuries.
The foreign affairs minister said she was confident that Halley would perform and do her best in the new portfolio.
“Ms Halley is a career diplomat and had worked to establish the mission in Delhi,” she informed.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett confirmed that the establishment of the commission also forms part of the ministry’s efforts to fully implement all aspects of its five-year strategic plan. Asked to comment on the status of that plan, which was expected to be redrafted, she informed that most of the plans contained in the document have been accomplished or implemented.
Rodrigues-Birkett also stated that the ministry continues to reform aspects of the plan based upon current development and its outlook on the future as far as advance appropriate foreign policy is concerned.
“We have actually completed quite a lot of things complied in the plan, but as it is with any organisation, one must be futuristic.”
