EU Ambassador commits to supporting “One Guyana” initiative

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó has committed his support to build “One Guyana”.
He verbalised his commitment on Monday at a cocktail reception in celebration of European Day and the EU’s 50th anniversary of its presence in Guyana.
On Monday, the EU celebrated 70-plus years of “peace and unity in Europe” alongside the 50-year Guyana relations celebration. A cocktail reception was hosted at the Black Magenta (Georgetown Club) at which Ponz Cantó said that he was committed to building President Dr Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” initiative.

“Europe will always be there at your side, and there will also be many opportunities; there are already many opportunities and there is a space for everyone. I look forward to see, and the sooner the better, the fruits of Guyana’s efforts in the form of inclusive and sustainable development, prosperity for all the Guyanese, and I am sure that very soon we will see the new wealth riches cascade down all the citizens of beautiful Guyana, and Europe will be there to help in difficult times as we have done, to partner for mutual benefits in good times,” the EU Ambassador said.
The Ambassador noted that this would be done in a way that was also beneficial to Guyana, adding that this was the EU approach.
“We want to help whatever you want to go ahead [with] good governance, predictability for investments, cooperation, promoting our joint interests in the benefit of the citizens. We want more Europe in Guyana, we also want more Guyana in Europe,” the Ambassador explained.
Ambassador Ponz Cantó said that Guyana could continue to count on the EU for the many different roles it played in helping the country.
“I am very happy to say that since last the year, the European Union delegation has the full diplomatic president status thanks to the Government of Guyana for which I am very grateful. We have achieved a lot together over the years, thanks to those who preceded us and thanks to all those who are working hard today. We have covered, developed cooperation; we have helped Guyana with the seawalls which protect the lives of Guyanese citizens. We have helped also with many other cooperation efforts. We have contributed also to your effort of civil society to improve the situation. And you can count on us to continue,” Ponz Cantó said.

Ensuring democracy
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo attended the reception on behalf of President Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips.
He thanked the EU for the role it played to ensure freedom and democracy in Guyana and said the Ambassador was personally involved in ensuring democracy was not disturbed during the 2020 elections.
“Many people would not know, but the European Union team after the debacle at GECOM, after the blatant attempt to steal the elections, they stayed on in a very industrious way. They were there every single day trying to ferret out information about what was really happening,” the Vice President said.
Europe Day commemorates the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, to ensure a post-war Europe, which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union.

Support
Only a few days ago, the Chinese Embassy here expressed support for the “One Guyana” initiative and is hoping to raise more awareness of its culture, especially as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. (G2)