Sawh affirms Guyana’s tight links to India

By Gerald V. Paul

The annual open house at the Guyana Consulate featured an update on the country. From left, MPP Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough-Rouge River), Lynette McKenzie, co-chair Guyana Festival, Sattie Sawh, honourary consul general, businessman Victor Yacoob and Coun. Jim Karygiannis (Ward 39). Gerald V. Paul Photo
The annual open house at the Guyana Consulate featured an update on the country. From left, MPP Bas Balkissoon (Scarborough-Rouge River), Lynette McKenzie, co-chair Guyana Festival, Sattie Sawh, honourary consul general, businessman Victor Yacoob and Coun. Jim Karygiannis (Ward 39).
Gerald V. Paul Photo

Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar has pledged to support the government of India in its quest to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Honourary Consul General Sattie Sawh said in an interview.

She noted that Ramotar was in India during Pravasi Bharatiya, also known as Non-Resident Indian Day as it marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa. He also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sawh said at the annual open house at the consulate in Toronto.

Ramotar, who was on a six-day official visit to India, was the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samnan, the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians and people of Indian origin. It also acknowledges the contribution of the Indian community living abroad in the development of India.

“The Indian diaspora is the second largest in the world and it includes political leaders, prime ministers, presidents and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies,” Ramotar said.

Addressing members of the diaspora at the consulate during the open house, Sawh reminded them that Guyana has committed to and commenced implementation of a low carbon development strategy that supports Guyana’s vision for economic development.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. Nicole Giles has stated that the potential for renewable energy is growing worldwide and as such she urged Guyana to capitalize on the opportunity to diversify its national energy supply to include more renewable energy and less fossil fuel.

She said that like Canada, Guyana has immense natural resources with energy accounting for a sizable and growing share of its gross domestic product. Giles noted this provides opportunities for Guyana to move closer towards becoming a knowledge-based economy.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent World Economic Outlook predicted Guyana will see the second highest economic growth for South America.

Gerald V. Paul
Gerald V. Paul