EU envoy calls for peace to prevail in Guyana, other territories in European Day message

Europe Day was celebrated on Sunday and while its observance is mostly to bring about peace and unity in Europe – the day is also celebrated throughout the world including Guyana.
The European Union’s (EU) Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto was happy to share the celebration with Guyana while noting that the date marks the anniversary of the historic “Schuman Declaration”.
The then French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, at a speech in Paris in 1950 set out his idea for a new form of cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable.
Ponz Canto recalled that this was the start of an economic union, which has now become a political, fundamental union, and a major player in international relations.
“Europe is about many things, but when they ask me what is the most important one, I say it about peace and reconciliation with our former enemies. We have made many mistakes in the past, we had many confrontations, but we managed to reconcile ourselves,” he said.
The EU’s Ambassador further highlighted that this is also something that Europe wants for Guyana and all their international partners.
“Let’s turn to something very important for us which is our presence here in Guyana. The European Union has been a partner of Guyana all since the creation of the republic, and we have been present in the country and I’m happy to say we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the formal establishment and agreement that allows for the establishment of a full-fledged delegation of the European Union,” he explained
Ponz Canto further added that he would like to see Guyana’s natural resources being put to good use. He said Guyana can now count on the EU in helping in such an area.
“We have been helping in development cooperation we could release an important amount by the end of last year, and we know that more support is upcoming.”
Moreover, Ambassador Ponz Canto said Guyana will be getting another shipment of the COVAX vaccines from Europe in May. He added that even though Europe is not in a good state due to COVID-19, they continue to pledge their support to Guyana.
“In difficult times, one recognises his real partners, his real friends. I want to remind everyone to take the necessary precautions against COVID even if you are vaccinated,” he implored
Guyana received its first shipment of 24,000 AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX on March 29.
The doses arrived in Guyana after being dispatched by PAHO’s Revolving Fund that was responsible for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the countries of the Americas.