Words of wisdom: New Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque receives words of congratulations and advice from former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shirdath Ramphal at the official ceremony to mark LaRocque’s assumption of office on August 15
Former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal has hailed the work of the government, in particular, President Bharrat Jagdeo for maintaining a prominent and positive image of the country on the international scene.
“I feel very excited at where we are and how in fact the government has succeeded in keeping Guyana alive and prominent in the international community in a progressive way,” Sir Shridath told Guyana Times International in an exclusive interview.
The renowned international diplomat was notably impressed with Guyana’s contributions to tackle global environmental issues.
“The work that has been done by the government and the president on environmental issues is really quite phenomenal and the success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is a very substantial contribution to world development; development of not only forested countries but development of work environment,” the former attorney general and foreign affairs minister stressed. Through the LCDS and President Jagdeo led advocacy for the inclusion of forest in any future climate policy, Guyana has managed to secure a US$250 million deal with Norway.
He said the efforts by Guyana have gained the attention and admiration of developing countries and the world at large.
Sir Shridath, during his tenure as former foreign affairs minister has Brazil to initiated talks on a road link between the two countries some 40 years ago.
He said he is pleased that this is coming to past. “I’m delighted that the government has shown an awareness of the potential of these developments and have carried them much further,” he added.
And with this road link being realised, he believes Guyana can play a substantial role in the evolution of the Union of South American Nations. “I do not see that as making a choice between the Caribbean and South America, that Guyana must never feel it needs to do,” the former foreign minister said.
“I think so long as we keep our perspective and we pursue it in a resolute way, a bright future lies ahead for this country and I’m very excited,” he contended.
The Takutu Bridge which links the two countries was opened in 2008, and the feasibility study for paving the road from Lethem to Linden has been completed. Negotiations for financing are ongoing.
