A MEETING between the Ministers of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and representatives of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen that Middle Eastern nation offering technical support to the Infrastructure Ministry in desired areas.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, yesterday received a courtesy call from Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State of UAE, who was accompanied by five UAE representatives. During the fruitful meeting, Minister Al Hashimy indicated that her visit to Guyana was her first in the hemisphere. The delegation expressed interest in Guyana’s energy sector, particularly in the country’s renewable energy potential.

A representative shared that the UAE was an early adopter of renewable energy and invests in the sector, both domestically and internationally. The representative further said that the UAE had been bringing together in the energy sector key players ranging from investments to technology.

In turn, Minister Patterson indicated that Guyana was now embarking on the “greening” of the nation and the harnessing of its renewable energy potential. He shared that the goal was to start on a small scale, with the aim of having 75 to 100 megawatts of renewable energy available in five years.

In response, Minister Al Hashimy said that the UAE was open to providing technical support to Guyana, particularly in the areas in which it thrives. She stressed the desire to improve relations between Guyana and her nation.

“We’re very willing to share our expertise… if our success can be replicated with you, then that makes all of us stronger,” she said.

Outside of renewable energy, the Minister of State indicated that the UAE was willing to offer support in other areas, including aviation. She noted that the UAE has great strength in that sector.

This news was well received by Minister Ferguson, who has responsibility for aviation under the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

Al Hashimy further urged the ministers to identify areas which need support under the Infrastructure Ministry.
“If you know what you want and what you need, then we can match-make with the right agencies. If you can articulate what you want, and show how it aims towards your overall vision, then we’re willing to share our support and knowledge,” she said.

Minister Al Hashimy’s visit to Guyana came to an end yesterday. During her two-day visit, she and her team met with a number of ministers. She explained that the aim was to “cover as many areas as possible, to see how we can strengthen ties as widely as possible”.