-Ambassador, PM say unity the driving force for development

GUYANA and the People’s Republic of China are working on a joint action plan to stimulate growth, development and cooperation between the two countries.

China has supported Guyana in many sectors but, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun believes that a lot more can be achieved.

“We are working hard to make a joint action plan because we want to be good partners and brothers forever,” said Ambassador Cui during his remarks at the celebration of the 166th Anniversary of the arrival of Chinese Indentured Immigrants to Guyana at the Windsor Forest Primary School on Saturday.

The Chinese, who form part of the six ethnic groups of Guyana, have contributed to the development of the country in many ways and still continue to contribute with the assistance of their native land.
In 1972 Guyana took the regional lead to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

“We support each other in the Guyanese arena…we have achieved a lot, but there are lot of things to do and some of the main areas that we could look at are sugar, rice and fish…we have to do something to work with Guyanese,” said Ambassador Cui, adding that a diversified economy is important, especially with the advent of the local oil and gas sector.
China hopes to share its expertise with Guyanese enterprises, he said, adding that every country should explore the idea of an “open policy” which would allow for easier and better trade between countries.

Ambassador Cui believes that interdependence is important for people to advance, and he observed that social cohesion and unity means a lot to Guyanese.
“Unity is the driving force for the nation and it is important to transform Guyanese communities and empower people,” said the ambassador.

Over the years, the Chinese have been part of that unity but, he encouraged Chinese to inherit the local traditions, cultures and do more since their predecessors have done good things for them to inherit.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo recognised some of the accomplishments of renowned Chinese descendants such as the first President of Guyana, Arthur Chung and Former Parliamentarian Rudy Luck, who was known as one of the most articulate leaders and members of the National Assembly.

“We had the influences of Guyanese beyond low mein, chowmein and fried rice…they are blood relatives, among the first Guyanese and that is the reason why we must celebrate their arrival and acknowledge their role and presence,” said Nagamootoo.

Although Chinese only make up a quarter of the local population, the prime minister believes that they supplement their numbers with worth.
According to Nagamootoo, Guyana’s relationship with China has been an outstanding feature of the country’s foreign policy.

He hailed China for responding to Guyana’s call in critical areas, noting that they brought doctors to help; donated buses, cars, motor cycles and so forth to the Guyana Police Force and even aided in the expansion of the East Coast Demerara Highway and Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The bilateral relationship has been based on compassion but, China has never interfered in the internal affairs of the country, said Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

In that regard, he lauded the country for respecting the country’s right to protect its institution and for contributing to development locally without making any demands.
“That this why Chinese Arrival Day was made possible through the commitment of President David Granger who in 2017 made an executive order to dedicate January 12 to them,” said Nagamootoo.