As the Republic of India celebrated its 71st independence anniversary, the country has pledged its continued support towards Guyana’s development.
The promise was made on Tuesday by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, when dignitaries and Indian nationals converged at the Indian Culture Centre in Bel Air, Georgetown to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary.
A section of the gathering on Tuesday at the Indian Cultural Centre
According to the High Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of the country’s Prime Minister, India has over the years been a major player and partner in Guyana’s development.
“During the less than three years of my tenure here, India/Guyana bilateral relations have seen all-round improvement in the political, cultural, educational, economic and educational spheres. Regardless of the political parties in power, India’s relation has been strong over the years since Guyana became independence in 1966. India has been playing a significant role as a reliable partner to Guyana by committing itself particularly towards the development of its programmes,” Mahalingham said.
According to the Indian High Commissioner, India has committed to provide a US$81.5 million soft loan in its line of credit and US$9 million grant for various projects, such as the building of link roads between the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara; the upgrading of three primary hospitals and the setting up of a centre of excellence in Guyana. He said his country has already partnered with Guyana in the past in building the Cricket Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
He said trade and economic relations between the countries have deepened significantly and have also seen broaden relations particularly in the mining, forestry, education and pharmaceutical sectors.
India’s Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15, as a national holiday, commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom.
