ON behalf of the Government of India and the High Commission of India in Guyana, I wish to extend my best wishes to all Guyanese brothers and sisters on the occasion of the Indian Arrival Day on May 5.  Starting from Port of Calcutta in India, on 13th January 1838 by the ship ‘Whitby’ and after travelling for 114 days arrived in Guyana; it was on this day, in 1838, that the first group of Indian Immigrants set foot on this beautiful land of Guyana at Highbury on Berbice River.

2. It is very heartwarming to note that the Indo-Guyanese still retain their Indian traditions and culture despite settling down in a far-off country. The most striking aspect of the Indo-Guyanese in Guyana is their strength of resilience and adaptation. Indian culture has a big influence on the overall culture of Guyana, be it music, food, language, art, religion, tradition, rituals, costumes, etc.

3. The Indian diaspora in Guyana has and is playing a crucial role in the economic, political and social development of the country.  They have excelled in almost all areas. India is very proud of the achievements by the Indo-Guyanese Diaspora and their role in the development of Guyana. The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas held in India has honoured such Guyanese achievers with the Pravasi Bhartiya Award.

4. I consider it indeed a matter of honour and privilege for me to serve as the Indian High Commissioner to this Girmitiya land. The priority of the current Government of India led by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, is to build everlasting links with the Indian Diaspora the world over.

5. On this occasion I would like to commend major Indo-Guyanese socio-cultural-religious organisations which have been the torchbearers of preserving Indianness – Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha under Hon’ble Minister, Dr Vindhya Vasini Persaud, the Indian Commemorative Trust led by Dr Yesu Persaud, HSS – Hindus for Selfless Service, Indian Action Committee, Cove & John Ashram, Saraswati Vidya Niketan, etc.

7. The Government of India has been closely working with Government of Guyana in several sectors and has delivered on various projects so far. Now we are working on over US$ 100 million worth of Indian grants and lines of credit for building roads, hospitals and a ferry, solar panels, collaborations in agriculture, rice, sugar, etc. while oil and gas, education scholarships will be the future.

8. Availing this opportunity, I would like to reassure you that the High Commission would be happy to work closely with the Government and people of Guyana and extend its hand of collaboration in more areas of benefit to the people of Guyana.  It is our aim and endeavor to see that the expertise and capacities available with India is shared with our friendly country Guyana. I fondly hope that we continue to build upon this sacred relationship between India and Guyana. The massive projected transformation of Guyana in the next decade will surely have India as a strategic partner and we wish to strengthen our partnership. We wish and pray for Guyana’s success. I call upon all brothers and sisters of Guyana to take an oath to join hands and work for the growth and progress of this rainbow nation of Guyana.

9. On a parting note, India will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day Anniversary on 15th August, 2022. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Government of India is organising several events in India and across the globe.  High Commission of India in Georgetown is also planning a series of events on this historic occasion in Guyana. We urge all Guyanese to join us in this series of events which will be publicised in due course.

Long live India-Guyana Friendship.