THE bond between Barbados and Guyana remains strong as strong as ever, despite the occasional strain.

This was the assurance from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean.
“Barbados and Guyana have enjoyed a long-standing friendship characterised by shared aspirations, in modern times, for political independence,” she remarked. “The opening of this very Consulate of the Republic of Guyana in Barbados last year is further testament to the deepening of bilateral relations between our countries.”
Highlighting the success such relations have brought, she pointed to the 2002 Agreement for the Deepening of Bilateral Cooperation, which aims “to strengthen the traditional ties of friendship and to share common determination to deepen the relationship between our two countries in the areas of trade, investment, marine affairs, air services, education, agriculture, sports, culture and youth affairs”.
This Agreement also provides for a Joint Commission, which Senator McClean noted has an important role to play in Immigration, an often contentious area for which the Foreign Affairs Minister insisted “a workable solution must be found”.
“Like with all friends and families, [our] relationship often suffers some strains,” she admitted. “But despite these, I believe that over the years our countries have set an example to other countries on how bilateral relations between neighbours should be conducted.”
“It is my wish that the special relationship which exists between our two countries will continue to grow and strengthen and that together, we will continue to seize opportunities and collaborate on issues of mutual concern to the benefit of our people.”
She was delivering remarks at a reception on Friday night at the local Consulate of the Republic of Guyana. The event was in celebration of Guyana’s 47th anniversary of Independence, observed today, May 26.
In attendance were members of Cabinet, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, Guyanese expatriates and other specially invited guests, who were welcomed by their host, Consul-General Michael Brotherson.
In his remarks, Brotherson also made mention of immigration issues as he spoke on Guyana’s progress in the 47 years since its Independence. “Guyana is a passionate advocate for the merits of Caribbean integration, as well as the consolidation of the Single Market, especially those provisions and procedures that relate to the free movement of people,” he noted.
Other areas of priority for Guyana were highlighted as food and energy security and sustainable development, including climate change, with Brotherson noting that Guyana has been recognised internationally as an advocate against the global effects of climate change. (Courtesy of the Barbados Advocate)