GUYANA-POLITICS-Guyana looking to deepen relations between South America and Caribbean

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC –President Donald Ramotar says he is optimistic about the possible integration of South America and the Caribbean as Guyana prepares to welcome Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Maduro will pay a one-day official visit to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country and Ramotar said that closer cooperation between South America and the region will result in significant benefits for all parties. "The tempo (of integration) has increased, particularly, since the presence of president (Hugo) Chavez, who had placed more attention to this issue. Over the years I would say the integration of South America and with the Caribbean has increased quite a lot," Ramotar said.