– expresses confidence in Canadian mining companies  here
MR. FRANCIS Montour ended his tour of duty as Canadian High Commissioner here yesterday with fond memories of the hospitality of Guyanese and high hopes for the role that several mining companies from his country will play in the economic development of Guyana. “I enjoyed Guyana. It is a great country. I had a chance to travel around Guyana. Guyanese people are a welcoming people.  My experience here has been fantastic. Overall, I have really enjoyed my time here,” he offered.
The diplomat said Guyana and Canada have had a long history of cordial and good relationships and, as such, it is very easy for a Canadian High Commissioner to come here and feel completely at home.
He was speaking at a farewell function, in his honour, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Montour said his involvement in facilitating the work of Canadian companies involved in the local mining sector was a highlight of his two-year stint in Georgetown.
He noted that, during his tour of duty, he held  several discussions with President Bharrat Jagdeo as well as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on the operations of the several Canadian mining companies in Guyana and has been very impressed with their enthusiasm on the role of mining as an engine of economic growth and their support for the Canadians  developing the sector.
Montour made special mention of Guyana Goldfields Inc., which has invested heavily in Guyana over many years  and is now on its way to becoming a “world class gold mine”, creating job opportunities and helping this country in its future development.
“The Canadian  investments in the extractive sector have a great potential for the future development of Guyana. This is wealth that belongs to all Guyanese and will generate economic growth,” he emphasised.
He disclosed that his High Commission, through its Trade Mission, facilitated liaison of the companies with local authorities and provided  other assistance to  them to make their entry into the local sector smooth and hassle-free.
“We are very proud and I, personally, am very happy to be involved with  the mining companies in supporting them when needed and providing all the assistance that we could through [the] Trade Section,” Montour stated.
He said that, over his tour of  duty,he had learnt a lot about the extractive sector in this country and is leaving with much more knowledge of mining than when he came.
The envoy expressed hopes that the future of Guyana will be great. He leaves for home today.