Guyana-Venezuela border issue
– countries to develop areas of cooperation following State visit
Prime Minister Perry Christie of The Bahamas has reiterated emphatic and unequivocal support for Guyana in its border controversy with Venezuela, and has supported President David Granger’s call for closer synergies and cooperation between The Bahamas and Guyana in the areas of tourism, industry and agriculture.
At a State Dinner held at the Hilton Hotel and hosted by Governor-General Dame Marguerite Pindling in honour of President Granger’s official visit to that country, The Bahamian Head of State, in addressing attendees at the event, made the above remarks, according to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, and added: “We stand in complete and utter rock solid solidarity with our brothers from Guyana in their international dispute with their neighbour Venezuela. We have worked with them through Caricom [Caribbean Community] as much as is possible to foster an imitable and equitable resolution to their dispute, and we will continue to lend our best offices in this regard.”
Pointing out that Guyana and The Bahamas share a historically long and productive relationship – which started with the close friendship between Guyana’s former President, H.E. Forbes Burnham, and founding Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Sir Lynden Pindling – Prime Minister Christie said there are significant areas in which cooperation between the two states is possible.
“I wish to adopt the view of President Granger: that our region should explore synergies with the product of sun, sand and sea on the one hand, and the wonder of flora, fauna and waterfalls of the continent on which stands Guyana, Suriname and Belize. The President has articulated the differences that exist between our countries, and the strength of the differences; and (the possibilities that exist in) being able to capture that as we market our region.
“I pointed out to the business community at Grand Bahama that Guyana’s close cooperation should be a particular interest of the business community here in The Bahamas, and I encourage exploration in this regard. The idea is to explore and establish contacts and synergies in as many areas as possible between our countries; and that (development should be) of mutual benefit,” he said.
Collaboration
President Granger, who was accompanied on this State Visit by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, pointed out that while Guyana has abundant resources, The Bahamas has the capital and the knowledge, having become an economic leader in the region. He added that it is through cooperation that the region can build on its strengths to further diversify the small economies of the region. The Guyanese Head of State noted particularly that Guyana and The Bahamas have the opportunity to deepen cooperation to better meet the challenges faced by their respective citizens, the release added.
“There is no blue in the Guyana flag. There is no green in the Bahamas flag; and that means a lot. It means that, together, we can combine our different talents to create that holistic image of the Caribbean. We believe that we have a world class biodiversity tourism product. We came here yesterday to learn from The Bahamas about how to sell that product, because you have done remarkably well in selling your tourism product to the world.
“Guyana also has extensive lands suitable for agricultural development. In fact, I don’t say so boastfully, [but] we are 15 times the size of The Bahamas. It means that we see ourselves as the hinterland of the Caribbean. Belize, Guyana and Suriname together are bigger than Germany, (and) we are bigger than Japan. But we are one region, and if we realise our strength, if we recognise how powerful we are, we will move together much more quickly, and (journey) much further along the road of development. So we have come here not only to learn, but also to sell some of our agricultural produce,” President Granger said.
Regional cooperation
Speaking on wider regional cooperation, President Granger said that despite the Caribbean region’s early history of conflict and the vast sea space that separates island states and those on the mainland, Caricom states have managed to create a unique community and a zone of peace. He noted that despite the relatively small size of the countries that make up Caricom, when those states speak with one voice, it forces the world to listen.
He added that The Bahamas is an example to the rest of the region on how small states can advance economically. Declaring that the region is stronger as a unified block, President Granger said that if this strength is recognized, the states of the region would be (travelling) much faster and further along the road to development. “Guyana and Bahamas are integral members of the Caribbean Community. The Bahamas is the northernmost English speaking country in our community and Guyana is the southernmost English speaking country. We therefore view this visit as an opportunity to strengthen our ties; ties which embrace the entire region. We are one Caribbean family. We are convinced that it is only by deepening regional cooperation that we can find solutions to our common challenges. We are small countries, but we want to ensure that all of our citizens enjoy a good life,” he said.
Leadership
Also speaking on the importance of regional cooperation, Prime Minister Christie said Guyana has been a leader in that regard, and he acknowledged the country’s role in ensuring regional integration. He added that it is fitting that President Granger is visiting The Bahamas as the sitting Chairman of Caricom.
The fact that the Bahamian health and educational sectors have been bolstered by a large number of Guyanese teachers was not lost on Prime Minister Christie. He noted that his country has been a beneficiary of immigrants who have benefited from significant investments in their training in their home country.
Dame Pindling, in remarks, also referred to this fact, saying that Guyana has developed significant expertise in health and education training, and that expertise has assisted tremendously in the development of those services in The Bahamas. She also spoke of the importance of President Granger’s State Visit.
“This visit is so important to the continuation of the close relationship between Guyana and The Bahamas because, among other things, it provides the opportunity to discuss issues that affect us both, many of which have regional and global implications. Notwithstanding that our world is increasingly interconnected, nothing can replace face-to-face exchange about issues that matter to both countries. Strong cooperation and sharing the knowledge of crucial areas for increasing prosperity and security for both our people and our close cooperation will enhance our relationship,” she said.
Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell emphasised this point, noting that the visit is “an example of visible support, and the people get to see who our neighbours and friends are, and get to understand the countries in region with which we operate.”
The State Dinner was attended by Ministers of Government, State Officials, members of the business community and Guyanese living in The Bahamas.
