INTERNATIONAL events broadcast on TV and Radio and published in newspapers over the past several weeks have been depressing to say the least.

From death and destruction in the Far East and the Pacific Islands arising from climatic conditions, to deadly clashes between police and protestors in Guinea-Conakry resulting in the deaths of more than one hundred and fifty demonstrators to the politically explosive stand off between the de factor military regime and the Constitutional President Manuel Zalaya in Honduras.

But as if all was not lost, three bright spots emerged.

The first bright spot was the first ever rock concert held on September 20, 2009 in Cuba which attracted thousands of young Cubans to celebrate “Peace without Frontiers”. The concert was promoted by the ever popular Colombian rock artiste, Juanes.

To many “Cubanologists” the realization of such an event was unthinkable, if not unbelievable. “Why a rock concert in Communist Cuba?” They pondered in “shock and awe” while holding tenaciously to the orthodoxy that such events are irreconcilable with their notion of the “communist ideology”

But the rock concert in which a total of fifteen artites from six countries participated shattered the age old belief that modern popular music, rock or any other geñre is incompatible with progressive democratic thought as exemplified in the Cuban model of socio-economic development.

Further, the rock concert which was part of Cuba’s observance of International Day of Peace made a significant breakthrough in the real and psychological blockade imposed on Cuba by demonstrating to the world how a society can reinvent itself in keeping with modern times and still remain firmly committed to its beliefs and principles.

The second bright spot was the celebrations marking the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. For several hours TV viewers around the world were captivated by the wonderful display of joy and talent by thousands of Chinese performers at Tiananmen Square, Beijing.

A choir of nearly sixty thousand including the Chinese President sang the tune “Ode to the Homeland” much to the delight of million of viewers around the world. And a gala performance including acrobats, musicians and fireworks in a sea of colour, with thousands of children, attractive wardrobes and an incalculable number of banners made the celebration an impressive, memorable and heartwarming occasion.

One can well imagine the months of planning and rehearsals that went into the preparations for such a massive event. The military and civilian parade that preceded the gala performance was unmatched, in any part of today’s world.

The Chinese must be a very proud people considering the feudal conditions under which the majority of the population lived and worked before the triumph of the Revolution under the leadership of Mao Tse Tung not to mention the many experiments the country experienced since the establishment of the People’s Republic.

Today, China’s power and influence in the world cannot be challenged and it is equally important to note that China’s foreign policy is based on peace and friendship among the peoples of the world.

The third bright spot I wish to refer to was the announcement that Brazil, our neighbour will play host to the Olympic Games in 2016.

This is the first time ever the Olympics will be held on our continent. It is the first time Guyana will be just next door to a host country and it is the first time a third world country in our part of the world will host the games.

This means that Guyana will have to begin positioning itself to take advantage of the opportunities that will open up with this momentous occasion.

With the inauguration of the bridge across the Takutu River added value is given to our relations with Brazil and by extension the rest of South America. It is through this prism we must view preparations for our participation in the opportunities that lie ahead as regards this epochal occasion.

It is hoped that the upgrading and paving of the road from Linden to Lethem would be completed long before 2016, thus enhancing our geo-strategic position as the Caribbean gateway to Rio.

We Guyanese like other South American countries feel we have won. Brazil’s victory to host the 2016 Olympics is our victory and as President Jagdeo declared; “We share in its celebrations”.

I salute my friend Celso Amorin – the indefatigable Foreign Minister of Brazil. He is one of the most successful Foreign Ministers in the world. I have no doubt about the quiet diplomatic work done by his Ministry to win this Olympic prize. Congratulations Celso!

We look forward to the fulfillment of the promise made by President Lula;

“Rio will be unforgettable, filled with joy and creativity for which the

Brazilian people are well known”.
CLEMENT J. ROHEE
Minister