An alliance of shared values

The Guyana government will continue to collaborate with Canada in a wide range of areas from developing the petroleum sector to promoting human rights, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

He was speaking at a Canada Day reception last evening, at the Marriott Hotel marking the country’s 151st anniversary, noting the joint effort to combat the adverse effects of climate change, adopt policies aimed at reducing poverty, advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, as it seeks to develop capacity and safeguard its citizens. “Our alliance premised on shared values has resulted in the development of genuine, productive partnership evident in the programme of bilateral cooperation that has delivered concrete and quantifiable benefits to Guyana.”

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

Scenes from the Canada Day Reception.

The two countries’ partnership has seen Guyana benefitting from assistance in the areas of anti-crime capacity building, debt relief, live streaming of the National Assembly, upgrading of the research unit of Parliament, implementation of the Disability Act of Guyana; and support in the integrated sundried tomato project. Canada has also played a critical role in Guyana’s forestry and mining sectors.

As Guyana embraces the imminent economic transformation, it remains mindful of the fact that the world is increasingly integrated, Minister Greenidge stressed. He applauded the government and people of Canada for their strides over the years, particularly in its diversity, strong system of governance, sustainable prosperity and economic and social stability.

High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee highlighted the achievements Canada has made over the years.

In 2015, the country achieved gender parity in federal cabinet and includes ministers who are openly gay and those born out of Canada. In 2016, Canada was the largest trading partner with CARICOM with US$700M in merchandise trade. The country also welcomes 300,000 immigrants yearly. These achievements exemplify the country’s diverse and inclusive nature, High Commissioner Chatterjee said.

“Canada is a peaceful pluralistic society with strong democratic values. Our country isn’t perfect…our inclusive society means that the rights of all citizens regardless of race, religion, language, gender, sexual orientation are respected and that everyone has a contribution to make.”

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