FOR South American integration to become a reality, all countries must do their part. President Jagdeo has picked up that mantle and Guyana is now receiving international acclaim for its efforts to strengthen integration across the region. Since the 2007 Rio Summit, the unity of South American Nations (UNASUR), Guyana has been playing a major role in South American integration.  UNASUR was formed in 2007 evolving out of the pre-existing regional integration organization; the South American Community of Nations (SACN). In 2008 the Constitutive Treaty was signed in Brazil where the third summit of Heads of State was held.
To date, regional integration and development has been on the forefront of the government’s policy agenda. The President’s aggressive moves to strengthen regional ties in South America is much warranted, since having a united international voice will no doubt enable us to better compete and lessen the vulnerability that would affect us if we stood as an individual nation on the international market. As in the case of the European Union, the necessity of integrating as a region is unconditional. The economic and social benefits that integration will offer South American countries will only be enhanced by the cultural experience that Guyana and the rest of these countries will enjoy and share with the rest of the world once the integration process is consummated.
With its still developing economy, Guyana stands to benefit a great deal from UNASUR and as such, has no other option, but to push for integration, and be a real part of the South American family. President Jagdeo’s chairmanship of UNASUR over the next year will deepen Guyana’s alliance with South America.