PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Foreign Affairs (acting), were among those gathered on Friday evening at a reception in observance of Venezuela’s 202nd independence anniversary at the Impeccable Banquet Hall, Brickdam.

Throughout South America’s struggle for independence, Venezuela was the first nation on the continent to declare independence and maintained it. This move was led by the late Simón Bolívar.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Hinds said that the anniversary is a milestone for which Venezuela should be justly proud, as it continues to exert great effort and determination to realise the dream of Simón Bolívar of a well-developed, united and independent country.
Venezuela continues to play a vanguard role in the promotion of programmes which are aimed at bringing direct benefits to the people, especially vulnerable groups.
Prime Minister Hinds said that the creation of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) and Petrocaribe can be seen within this framework, and he commended the late President Hugo Chavez for his vision in this regard.
He also highlighted the relationship between Guyana and Venezuela which has allowed Guyana to comfortably engage in regular political dialogue at the highest levels and to embark on programmes of co-operation that have seen tangible benefits for both of the countries’ peoples.
The Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, which will be opened in a few months, the vibrant trade in rice, and the supply of petroleum to Guyana under the Petrocaribe initiative are examples of the ties between the two countries.
“We remain committed to working with the Government of Venezuela to preserve this healthy relationship,” the Prime Minister added.
He said Guyana will be looking forward to welcoming President Nicholas Maduro on his official visit next month.
The Prime Minister also extended congratulations to Venezuela for the award they received for achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) on poverty reduction.
He reiterated government’s satisfaction with the excellent relation the two countries enjoy, and committed to continue working together at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Arratia Diaz, explained the history behind the country’s Independence and said that even as that struggle continues, the country has been aggressively fighting poverty, with special emphasis on health and education.
Ambassador Diaz said that today Guyana and Venezuela have improved their bilateral relation through the late President Chavez, and will continue through current President Maduro.