Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 09, 2008 Letters
Dear Editor,
I write to applaud those NY-based Guyanese who never pass up an opportunity to lobby for increased assistance for their former homeland.
There are so many groups at various meet who seek to prop up their former homeland seeking to get funds for various programmes.
Last week, a large delegation of Guyanese met with India’s Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs, Hon Vayalar Ravi, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel with a proposal for increased aid for Guyana, especially in the fields of culture and education.
The meeting with the Minister was arranged by the Secretary General of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Ashook Ramsaran, a Berbician, who has taken a lead role over the last few years to lobby for aid to and investment in Guyana.
Topics of discussion included enhancing relationship between Caribbean PIOs and India, support for preservation and promotion of Indian culture and support of India’s continuing efforts to connect PIOs in the Caribbean.
Ramsaran said he was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting where several requests were made to boost development aid to Guyana.
Ramsaran said: “The Minister was very supportive of the requests. It was a very substantive and productive meeting in which the Minister agreed to increase assistance to Guyana and other countries where PIOs are settled in the Caribbean”.
Minister Ravi suggested that more Guyanese youths need to participate in the “Know India” programme, which is sponsored by the Indian government at almost no cost for a month’s stay in India.
Minister Ravi also offered assistance to PIOs interested in obtaining the PIO card, which confer enormous benefits to people of Indian origin who visit India – including not needing a visa.
The Minister also agreed to provide academic linkages with universities in India for Guyanese students. In particular, he said his Ministry will try to facilitate research at the prestigious Nehru University.
It was noted that a young female NY Guyanese spent several months, recently, conducting research at JNU. The Minister also agreed to help Guyanese who wish to trace their roots in India.
And he agreed to a request from a New Yorker to facilitate the production of a documentary on Guyanese roots.
The Minister said he will also try to assist with cultural exchanges with Guyanese settled in NY. I encourage other groups of the Diaspora Guyanese to use their contacts and influence to lobby for aid for their former homeland.
Vishnu Bisram
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
Apr 19, 2024
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