The thrust of Guyana’s foreign policy is one that is based on the preservation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, seeking assistance to confront the economic and social challenges at home, and enhancing Guyana’s role in the international arena.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated this statement to the National Assembly yesterday during her presentation on the ongoing 2010 budget debate.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in support of the budget, said that it cannot be more appropriately themed ‘Consolidate, transform, sustained’.
She said that the three words were chosen after careful assessment of the stage at which the country is at, and what must be done to ensure a brighter future.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Guyana is 44 years old and that the greater part of that time was not used wisely, resulting in the country regressing in the 1970s and 1980s.
She said when one attempts to analyse where the country is, or compare it with developed countries and some sister CARICOM states, one must bear the reality in mind.
“When we take these things into consideration, we would come to the realisation that our country is in fairly good shape, notwithstanding the precious time that was squandered in those early years,” she contended.
She pointed out that despite past incidents, growth and development must not be hindered.
To this end, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett  said that as it relates to Guyana’s territorial issues, these have not changed from the time when the National Assembly met to debate the last budget; however there have been some developments.
In terms of Venezuela, she said that over the last year Guyana’s relationship with that country continued to be strengthened. During an official visit to the Spanish speaking country in July, 2009, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that discussions led to the advancement of the consideration and implementation of several projects, including the centre for rehabilitation and integration of homeless persons and the cold chain agriculture project, among others.
She said significant progress was also made in terms of negotiating a memorandum of understanding between the two countries to address issues relating to the treatment of fishing vessels and crews after apprehension for illegal fishing.
The Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted that as Guyana continues to build a relationship with Venezuela, it is also looking to further develop trade ties.
She stated that this year, the country is considering the establishment of a consulate in Puerto Ordaz, since more than 20,000 Guyanese reside in this area in Venezuela.
In relation to Suriname and information emanating from the country regarding instructions that were given by the previous government in relation to Guyana’s New River Triangle, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that Guyana takes seriously any threat, serious or perceived, to its territory and will continue to utilise the diplomatic process to deal with the issue as far as possible.
However, she added that Guyana is equally serious about engaging with Suriname on other issues that will benefit both countries’ peoples.
Turning to diplomatic relations with Brazil, the Foreign Minister said the establishment and commissioning of the Takutu Bridge on September 14, 2009, saw Guyana and Brazil for the first time establishing a physical link and the occasion led to several agreements being signed in the areas of culture, trade, investment, and defence cooperation among others.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett contended that the agreements would be useless if the country does not make use of the provisions included therein, adding that this year focus will be placed on the implementation of some of them, bearing in mind that the Brazilian process is different to that of Guyana’s and some of the agreements require the approval of  Brazil’s Congress.
At the moment, Guyana is considering signing a memorandum of understanding to look at other hydro power possibilities. Brazil has a lot of experience in this area and Guyana will be working with that country in this regard, the Foreign Minister stated.
The Minister alluded to the feasibility study for the Linden/Lethem road which is ongoing, and discussions will continue with Brazil regarding its construction.
“This year we will be establishing a consulate in Boa Vista as it would certainly increase trade activities between the two countries,” she told the National Assembly.
As it relates to Guyana’s involvement in CARICOM, the Minister stated that Guyana will continue its commitment to the integration process.
“The story of Guyana and our role in CARICOM is one where we remain committed to the integration process…there was an appraisal done on the CARICOM Single Market and what it has shown in terms of Guyana is that we have put in place most of the measures that we are required to for the single market to work…overall there has been tremendous improvement, some countries still have to put measures in place,” she stated.
Responding to comments made by People’s National Congress Reform member Aubrey Norton about Guyana’s continental destiny, she said that government never mentioned that it would be pursuing a continental destiny at the expense of the country’s relationship with CARICOM or its role in the community.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett emphasised that as government continues to further demonstrate its commitment to the integration process, Guyana will be signing three agreements shortly at the next Heads of Government Meeting on March 11 and 12  in Dominica.
These agreements include the Maritime and Airspace Security and Cooperation agreement which is intended to promote collaboration among the states to enable them to conduct such law enforcement operations as may be necessary to effectively address their own security, as well as the security of the Region.
The protocol to amend the treaty of Chaguaramas will be signed also to incorporate the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement, and the CARICOM treaty on mutual legal assistance and serious criminal matters will be ratified. (GINA)