With graduate and under-graduate scholarship offers and major private investments in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Mexico has been hailed for supporting Guyana’s efforts at improving the quality of its most valued resources, its people.
During a reception to mark the 203rd anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, President Donald Ramotar on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club, said he was pleased to see the growing collaboration between Guyana and Mexico in tertiary level training.
Recently, the Mexican embassy announced a new scholarship programme whereby 600 graduate scholarships in engineering and science will be allocated to the Organisation of American States’ member countries. Of this number, 50 will be reserved for the Caribbean.
In the recent past, a significant number of Guyanese students received scholarships under the Bicentennial Scholarships for Professional Technicians offered to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by the Mexican government.
The scholarship offer came with a full package that entailed waived enrolment fees, monthly allowance of US$ 400, a four-month Spanish course prior to the beginning of the studies, full medical insurance coverage from the Mexican Social Security Institute, and international air transportation at the beginning and end of the scholarship.
Single largest employer
In the business arena, the single largest employer in Guyana is the Mexican company Qualfon, a private global provider of call centre back-office and business process out sourcing services.
Qualfon Guyana has employed in excess of over 2000 and intends to create 6000 more jobs with plans to construct the world’s largest multi-building campus at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
Company officials said the decision to invest in Guyana was influenced by the country’s high calibre workforce, diverse culture and a strong government leadership with unwavering dedication to economic growth.
Diplomacy has been cordial and growing with the establishment of an embassy in 2009, adding impetus to the two countries’ 40-year relationship, and partnerships at the level of the Caricom-Mexico Cooperation Programme.
In 2011, the two countries inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for the establishment of a consultative mechanism that focused on all aspects of bilateral relations, including political, economic, scientific, technical and cultural.
The abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports has also been agreed.
Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Francisco Olguin, who toasted with President Ramotar on the anniversary occasion, spoke of the country’s efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
He chronicled his country’s journey to independence and the significant changes that have been made in the political landscape.
“On December 1, 2012, the new government and the main opposition parties were able to reach an accord. A political pact was signed which identified the many reforms which Mexico needed. Both government and opposition parties committed themselves to negotiate the approval of reforms,” Ambassador Olguin said.
Optimism
But in the midst of optimism, the officials took time out to sympathise with the Mexican government and people who are at present grappling with devastation from a tropical storm and hurricane.
President Ramotar said the scenario further emphasises the need to increase efforts by the international community in combating the effects of climate change, especially on small island developing countries.
With Mexico’s advocacy role at the level of the Association of Caribbean States in highlighting the effects of natural disasters, President Ramotar said Guyana will continue to support Mexico in this endeavour, both regionally and internationally.
