THE Guyana/Venezuela Friendship Society is seeking to have these two South American neighbours develop their resources in the interest of their two nations.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Coordinator of the Society, Jinah Rahman asserted that his organisation feels that closer cultural, economic and trade relations would benefit both countries and Guyana being a member of the South American nations sees this as a key vehicle in the South American integration process which will help to trigger industrial, economic, social and cultural development of Guyana and the continent as a whole.

According to Rahman, over 80,000 Guyanese live in Venezuela, most of whom fled the Burnham dictatorship, have made that country their permanent home acquiring Venezuelan citizenship and being treated with equality and respect under the Chavez government. He said it is important to build on this relationship closer cultural, trade and economic ties, observing that the two countries always had enough food to feed its peoples but was historically prevented from doing so because of domination of Spanish and British colonialism.

“On a recent visit to Venezuela I met a number of Guyanese living there who are supportive of the government there and are enthusiastic to work closely with us to build a counterpart friendship society and to develop ties and relationships that would enhance the development of both nations. We have had meetings with Ambassador Odeen Ishmael who is very supportive of the formation of the Guyana/Venezuela Friendship Society. Both societies (in Guyana and Venezuela) would work for closer cooperation between the Guyana and Venezuelan governments and exchange visits between Venezuelans and Guyanese; engage in cultural, economic and trade relationships that would benefit the two countries,” Rahman disclosed.

He added: “Under the Treaty of South American Union of Nations there will be removal of border controls, free movement of labour and capital and a consolidation of a South American identity of a citizen in any other state. South American citizenship would allow access to social security/health systems and cooperation based on unrestricted respect for labour and labour rights, immigration regulations and harmonisation of policies.”

Rahman, who was among several persons accused for treason under the People’s National Congress government, as a result fled Guyana but always maintained contact with his homeland yearning to return to make a contribution to its development.

The Society was established in April 2008 with the objective of promoting good neighbourly relations and cooperation between the two countries to serve the mutual interests of their peoples.