Dear Editor,

THE just-concluded State visit by the powerful delegation from Suriname to Guyana was indeed a huge success. The meetings were well planned, and carefully executed. The amicable relationship between the two First Families is certainly highly appreciated, as it strengthens the countries’ economic and political bonds.

The Guyana-Suriname Business Council will certainly strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two countries. As newcomers in the oil-and-gas sector, the two countries will be looking to allow each other’s private sectors to push sustainable development in a more meaningful way to further strengthen bilateral ties. Expectations are sky high, as Vice- President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to lead another high-powered team from Guyana to Suriname, where there will be thorough discussions on the handling of any potential oil spill. Since Guyana and Suriname share the powerful rainforest in this part of the world, the meeting in Suriname will discuss the two countries’ preparation for the important International Climate Change Conference to be held later this year.

It is indeed heartening to know that the Guyana/Suriname Strategic Dialogue Cooperation Platform (SDCP), which was set up between the two countries in November 2020, is functioning even better than expected. As a result of the policy papers provided by the SDCP, the two countries are presently benefitting from better coordination initiatives in Foreign Policy and Political Dialogue, Environment, Security, Health, Infrastructure and Transportation, Agriculture, Investment, Trade and Enhancement of the Private Sector. The thorough discussions on the many issues that took place between the technical teams from the two countries, and particularly the positive approach by the two leaders, His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and His Excellency, President Chandrikapersad Santokhie is a clear manifestation that our two countries, and particularly our people, will benefit significantly.

Their Excellencies expressed satisfaction at the signing of that historic Air Services Agreement on December 7, 2020 between our two countries. However, all Guyanese and Surinamese, along with the wider population in this hemisphere, are looking forward to the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge. This bridge will further open up our two countries with a better flow through the entire Caribbean and South America.

The tourism sector will certainly blossom, as our precious ‘Lung of the Planet’, the Rainforest, becomes more easily accessible to ecotourism. Our Caribbean sunshine, hospitality and that much-sought-after breath of fresh air will certainly create an influx of ecotourists into our Guyanese Slice of Paradise.

As for sports, it is most heartening to hear that we will have the restart of the Inter- Guiana Games (IGG). Our youths and students are looking forward to participating in, and competing at, the IGG. These games exposed our youths to international competition at a very young age, and foster better relations between our nations. Significantly, only students who are in school are allowed to participate in these games. Hence, both countries recognised that education is a must and our students’ priority must be education. Our two nations are surely going to benefit from the two governments’ excellent relationships.

Yours sincerely,
Neil Kumar