As Guyana celebrates its Fifty-ninth Independence Anniversary, CARICOM SG recognises the "significant development progress"

As the Co-operative Republic of Guyana celebrates fifty-nine years as an independent nation today, 26 May, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, has acknowledged the country’s “significant developmental progress,” which has been achieved concurrent with its protection of the country’s extensive natural eco-systems.

In her congratulatory message to H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, Dr Barnett also acknowledged the country’s prominence in the international and regional diplomatic sphere and its “strong commitment to upholding international law and ensuring that the voice of the Caribbean contributes to shaping the discourse of global security.”

Guyana’s efforts in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet on matters related to Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security and its “leadership of CARICOM’s efforts to reduce the Region’s food import bill by 25% by the year 2030 has led to significant progress in the sector” were also noted in the Secretary-General’s message.

The CARICOM SG also expressed the Community’s concern for the border controversy with Venezuela and underscored the Community’s “steadfast support.”

Read the full message below:

Begins:

“Your Excellency,

I congratulate the Government and People of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on your Fifty-Ninth Anniversary of Independence.

As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, fuelled by the petroleum sector, Guyana has made significant developmental progress.  Notably, this has been achieved even while ensuring the protection of the country’s extensive natural eco-systems.  

Guyana can also be justifiably proud of its prominence in international and regional diplomacy. Guyana’s non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council has been backed by a strong commitment to upholding international law and ensuring that the voice of the Caribbean contributes to shaping the discourse on global security.  

We anticipate that Guyana will continue its outstanding work in the multilateral sphere, including through its upcoming presidency of the Security Council, to advance the regional agenda on priority issues such as climate change and the multifaceted crisis in Haiti.  

Within CARICOM, Guyana plays a central role in advancing regional integration, not only as the Community’s headquarters country, but especially in the discharge of its responsibility for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification, and Food Security in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet where its leadership of CARICOM’s efforts to reduce the Region’s food import bill by 25% by the year 2030 has led to significant progress in the sector. The role being played by Guyana in developing digital education and training, regional transportation and, by you personally, in chairing the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket, will undoubtedly redound to the benefit of the people of the Region.  

However, the border controversy with Venezuela remains of perennial concern. You may be assured that CARICOM is steadfast in its support for Guyana’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Your Excellency, as Guyana continues to pursue its developmental agenda, I extend my warmest regards and best wishes to the Government and People of this bountiful nation for its sustained prosperity and enhanced well-being.”

Ends.