–DR Ambassador highlights; commends President Ali for preparing country for massive economic transformation

WITH President Dr Irfaan Ali preparing Guyana to embrace a massive economic transformation, Dominican Republic (DR) Ambassador to Guyana, Ernesto Torres-Pereyra, has said that the country has the possibility to serve as a model for the entire world.

He made those remarks during an interview at the DR Embassy, located at Pegasus Hotel, Seawall Road, Kingston, on Saturday.

Noting that Guyana has all the conditions to become a global leader, Torres-Pereyra said: “You have the possibility here in Guyana of serving as a paradigm for the entire world.”

He also pointed out that in terms of building a society with sound values, institutions, respect for the environment and the promotion of transparency, Guyana is already checking the boxes in these areas.

The Ambassador then went on to say: “…As I mentioned before, that type of leadership that you have now serves as inspiration. President Ali has been preparing this country to embrace this economic transition while setting the foundations to face the imminent challenges that come together with this process.”

Torres-Pereyra elaborated on how Guyana and the DR relations have deepened, highlighting important landmarks that have been attained so far.

Putting things into perspective, he referenced how Sky High Dominicana is playing a key role in bridging the gap and aiding in building a direct connection between the two nations.
He said that this airline will not only facilitate the exchange of people but also provide business opportunities.

Just a few days ago, Sky High Dominicana Airlines officially opened its new office in Georgetown at Lot 58 David Street, Kitty, Georgetown, just weeks after its inaugural flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Continuing to list the ways in which the relationship between the two nations has become stronger, the Ambassador said that trade balance has increased significantly since the Embassy opened its doors.

Torres-Pereyra further told reporters: “Our trade balance has increased significantly after the opening of the embassy. People are getting to know more about what you offer here in Guyana and what the Dominican Republic has to offer as a solid partner to supply some of the growing needs during this incredible massive process of transformation of the country.”

NO LIMIT
He added: “…There’s basically no limit to what we can do together.”

Shifting his attention to the six memoranda of understanding (MoU) signed last year between the two nations, the Ambassador said that many of them have undergone advances.

“And in both of our countries because of the type of leadership that we have, the advances have been unbelievable,” he said, noting that both President Ali and the DR’s President, Luis Abinader have done “unbelievable things in a very short period of time.”

However, he emphasised that patience is key, as Caribbean people often adopt the mentality of wanting to see immediate results regardless of the magnitude of the project.

For context, at the DR’s National Palace, in August of last year, the agreements for the oil and gas industry, the establishment of an oil refinery, a petrochemical plant, and a study for participation in Guyana’s Oil Exploration Block were signed by the countries’ respective representatives.

Agreements were also signed to enhance the two nations’ agriculture, tourism and trade industries.

“The agreements were signed in August and these type of projects, they not only [are] massive in terms of the amount of investment that they [require], but also in terms of planning, you need planning that goes beyond architecture, engineering, you have to go through environmental impact and also everybody who invest has an expectation. So the negotiation process is ongoing. The discussions are ongoing,” he said.

The Ambassador added: “Your government has been very diligent and both private sectors…Guyanese and Dominican have been very diligent… It’s just that because of the magnitude of the projects, it will take time to reach an agreement to say ‘okay, let’s go.’”

He also said that both of the nations’ private sectors are actively collaborating.