PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar graced the occasion of Hydar Ally’s launch of his book: “Pragmatism or Opportunism? Guyana’s Foreign Policy Behaviour (1964-1985)”, on Wednesday evening at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, which reflected on the political phases in Guyana’s foreign policy arena. 

Recognizing Dr. Rudy Insanally and Sir Shridath Ramphal’s noble and recent contributions to the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy arena in Guyana, the President observed that Ally would have undoubtedly taken a more “political struggle” approach in his book.
He further asserted that “Foreign policy is a reflection of local politics” and as such, Guyana’s foreign policy has indeed moved in different directions over time. The President then noted that work on the book began in 1964, when it was “pretty straightforward” that foreign policy was heading into one direction, and as such was more or less dictated.
He then highlighted the collaboration between Guyana and Cuba in the foreign policy field, and observed that in the Caribbean, there is a tendency to begin history from 1972, thereafter reflecting on Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago’s collaboration with Cuba in terms of foreign policy.
He noted that this was a contribution by Dr. Cheddi Jagan in order to show solidarity with Cuba, since he stood by Cuba’s side, allowing Guyana alongside Mexico and other countries of the Americas to open market shares by exporting local products.
Moreover, he lastly reflected on Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s foreign policy theories and how productive they proved for Guyana, even before Guyana had gained Independence.
“In many ways, the foreign policy reflects the political struggles taking in place in Guyana at every step; every struggle that was going on in every area, and I’m sure Hydar captured that in his book,” stated President Ramotar.

MASTER’S THESIS
Meanwhile, Ally noted that this publication is a modification of a thesis he had done in fulfillment of his Master’s degree at the University of Guyana. After much persuasion and deliberation, the idea of formulating such a collective piece was birthed. “The money collected from the sales of the book is going to a worthy cause,” Ally said in his remarks.
Besides his political involvement, Ally held a number of administrative positions including that of Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Education and Health and he is currently Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry.
He has served on a number of Boards, including the Caribbean Examinations Council, the University of Guyana Council, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Board of Industrial Training, Cyril Potter College of Education and President’s College, and Guyana National Newspapers, among several others.