Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 04, 2017 News
President David Granger has called for the strengthening of diplomatic strategies; a vital element
in defending Guyana against threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Head of State made this call during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the Heads of Mission Conference (HOMC) held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown, yesterday.
The President also urged the Foreign Service to use diplomacy to advance the country’s national interest, pointing out that Guyana – as a small state – does not possess the power to impose its will or sanction other countries.
“The protection and projection of Guyana’s sovereignty are essential elements of Guyana’s diplomacy. Guyana lacks both the economic strength to sanction other states and the military capability to extend its power beyond its borders. A small state, notwithstanding its limitations, can seek to influence international relations in order to achieve its foreign policy objectives,” he said.
The President charged the Heads of Mission to ensure that the pursuit of the national interest, which is linked to territorial integrity, is at the forefront of their work programme. He explained that in the face of threats to security and sovereignty, Guyana has sought and obtained the protection and support of the international community. He noted that Guyana has consistently elicited assurances of solidarity and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity from the regional and international organisations.
“The United Nations General Assembly Resolution called on the Security Council and
other relevant organs of the United Nations to pay special attention to the protection and security of small States…,” President Granger reminded the gathering. He also urged the Heads of Mission to not overlook the strength of the Guyanese Diaspora.
“The enormous size, extensive dispersal and enthusiastic patriotism of the diaspora are assets to be prized… It is important to be Guyanese, it is important to be Caribbean,” the President said.
The Head of State also emphasised the importance of citizenship and said that, “the state of Guyana has an obligation to extend its protection to every citizen. No one should be stateless.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during his remarks, expressed confidence that at the end of the five-day conference, Guyana’s Foreign Service will be in a better position to advance the interest of the country. He noted that in the past, the Heads of Mission Conference served as an instrument for refinement, and he expects the same on this occasion.
The event is the first full Heads of Mission Conference (HOMC) under the current administration and will be conducted over a period of five days.
The confabulation is being held under the theme “Advancing Guyana’s Diplomacy in the 21st Century” and is expected to provide the Heads of Mission with the opportunity not only to consider a broad agenda of international affairs but also more particularly, to familiarize themselves with the dynamics of the nation’s internal development which its diplomacy serves.
The Diplomatic representatives present at the opening yesterday included Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles; Ambassador to Brazil, George Talbot; Ambassador to Brussels, David Hales; Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Rudolph Ten-Pow; Ambassador to Suriname, Keith George; Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Riyad Insanally; Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Shamir Ally; High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Hamley Case; High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl; High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr. Kenrick Hunte; and the Consuls-General to New York, Toronto, Barbados and Nickerie.
Present also at the ceremony were, the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder; Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland; and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
During the conference, participants will discuss a wide range of political and economic issues including the challenges and opportunities presented by the current international situation; the preservation of the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty; economic diplomacy; topical and urgent questions relating to the consequences of climate change; and the multi-polar nature of modern international economic relations, among other issues.
In addition, Guyana’s foreign relations will be examined with a view to strengthening and expanding traditional relationships, and determining whether diplomatic representation in some areas ought not to be increased or expanded.
Guyana’s membership of Multilateral and Regional institutions such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Mercado Comun del Cono Sur (Southern Cone Common Market) – MERCOSUR, the Union of South American Nations; and The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), will also be given extensive consideration.
JAGDEO ADDING MORE DANGER TO GUYANA AND THE REGION
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