Dear Editor,
The Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Guyana was a momentous occasion that underscored the deep historical ties and evolving partnership extant between these two nations. Not only is it a significant step in advancing our country’s bilateral relations, but it also elevates Guyana’s standing on the global stage.
This visit draws on a legacy of collaboration initiated by former Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, strengthened by leaders like President Desmond Hoyte, President Cheddi Jagan and President Bharrat Jagdeo, and now carried forward in a global context by President Ali and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of the world’s most influential leaders.
It is important to note that Guyana’s diplomatic relationship with India began under Forbes Burnham, who recognized the cultural and historical connections between the two countries. His partnership with India’s Prime Minister Indira Gandhi laid the foundation for collaboration in areas such as education, agriculture, and technical assistance.
Burnham’s foresight established Guyana as a friend of India, reinforcing ties between the two nations’ peoples. This relationship was further nurtured by President Cheddi Jagan, who shared a commitment to advancing the welfare of developing nations. Under Jagan, Guyana deepened its ties with India, particularly in areas of mutual benefit, such as trade and capacity-building initiatives. President Bharrat Jagdeo expanded on this foundation by focusing on economic cooperation and India’s support for Guyana’s developmental projects, including our sugar industry, which is presently failing to be self-reliant and profitable. President Jagdeo’s focus was also on renewable energy, which now holds much economic potential and possibilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit represents an opportunity to transform these historical ties into modern economic partnerships.
India is one of the fastest -growing economies in the world, and India is a leader in sectors such as energy. With Guyana fast emerging as a significant oil and natural gas producer, India’s expertise and demand for energy resources align perfectly with Guyana’s needs. Collaboration in the sectors of oil, natural gas, and renewable energy can drive significant investment and economic growth, to the benefit of both countries.
India’s advancements in agricultural technology and practices could provide invaluable support to Guyana’s farming, fishing, livestock, and poultry sectors, boosting productivity and sustainability. With such collaboration, Guyana could be closer to achieving food security and becoming the proverbial breadbasket of the Caribbean.
India’s global leadership in information technology and infrastructure development can offer Guyana access to expertise, training, and resources to modernise and rapidly develop our potential for growth in these fields.
Prime Minister Modi is a globally respected leader, who has positioned India as a key player on the international stage. His visit places Guyana in the global spotlight. Modi’s leadership has been instrumental in India’s active role in forums like the G20, BRICS, and the United Nations. His presence in Guyana signals our country’s growing importance as a regional leader in the Caribbean and South America.
Hosting Prime Minister Modi highlights Guyana as a key partner for India in advancing the interests of the Caribbean community and the Global South. It enhances Guyana’s image as a forward-looking nation that is capable of fostering strong international alliances.
Leaders like Burnham and Jagan were strong advocates for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the interests of developing countries. Modi’s visit continues this tradition, offering a platform for Guyana to engage in multilateral cooperation on pressing global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, respect for international law, sovereignty of countries’ borders, and food security. With Prime Minister Modi’s focus on South-South cooperation, this visit is an opportunity for Guyana to strengthen its role in regional and global discussions.
Further, this visit honours the shared cultural heritage between India and Guyana, rooted in the significant Indian diaspora in Guyana. Prime Ministers Burnham and Gandhi recognized this bond, which has grown stronger over the years through cultural exchanges and mutual respect. Modi’s visit reinforces these connections, and celebrates the contributions of the Indian community to Guyanese society.
Our country stands to benefit immensely from India’s advancements in education, healthcare, science, and technology. Prime Minister Modi’s visit could lead to agreements and collaborations in these areas, ensuring Guyana’s continued growth and development while fostering stronger people-to-people ties.
I join my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters in welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to our beautiful country of 83 thousand square miles.
Yours sincerely,
Jermaine Figueira, MP
