Outgoing Indian High Commissioner reaffirms commitment to new partnerships

As his stint as Indian High Commissioner to Guyana comes to an end, Dr KJ Srinivasa on Monday paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other Cabinet officials.
Highlighting the importance of the Guyana-Indian cooperation, Dr Srinivasa said Guyana remains a crucial partner, indicating his Government’s commitment to cultivating and preserving its partnership with Guyana in all areas of development.
During discussions with the High Commissioner, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for his dedication to Guyana-India relations throughout his tour of duty.
The Prime Minister said too, that Guyana is immensely thankful to the outgoing High Commissioner’s dedication to democracy and the unwavering support extended during the 2020 elections. The Prime Minister also recognised Dr Srinivasa’s humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While some may see it as a loss, I would like to reflect on the four years of your tenure in Guyana and thank you for the high level of diplomatic service to the people of Guyana,” PM Phillips identified
Meanwhile, the diplomat also met with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at his office in Kingston, Georgetown.
During their meeting, the Minister conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the High Commissioner’s unwavering dedication to fostering strong Guyana-India relations throughout his tenure.
Under his leadership, both countries have not only deepened ties, but the diplomat has played an important part in introducing practices such as yoga to the Guyanese populace. He has also fostered greater collaboration in the areas of trade.
Guyana and India have partnered in many projects and in recent years India has been providing both technical and financial support to Guyana.
One of the major aspects of collaboration between the two countries is that of education. Of the 6000 annual Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, more than 4500 are at Indian universities. The Asian country had also provided training for members of the local Police and Defence Forces.
In April, the India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was formed, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The new organisation was an initiative between Guyana’s private sector and India through the impetus of the Indian High Commission.
It was at a business roundtable attended by Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where former West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan was named the President of the newly established IGCC.
This organisation would pave the way for partnerships to be built through culture and commerce to serve the two nations through advocacy, economic development, connectivity, business, and education.
A Joint Business Council between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission was also announced at that time.
Moving forward, there have been talks to have an annual India-Caricom Summit to facilitate exchanges and capacity building with the entire Region by extension. (G12)