Guyana and Venezuela recommits to Good Offices process - as 201st Independence Anniversary of Venezuela observed
Georgetown, GINA, July 5, 2012 - Source
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds greets members of the Venezuela Military at the 201st observance of Venezuela’s Independence
Officials of both Guyana and her Spanish speaking neighbour, Venezuela this evening recommitted to the Good Offices process of the United Nations Secretary General to address their border issue at the 201st observance of Venezuela’s Independence at the Pegasus Hotel.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana Dario Morandy both made the commitment with the latter saying that it will not be an impediment to the integration of the two countries’ people.
“There can be no doubt that the current status of our relations is indeed unprecedented. This brotherly friendship and cooperation that exists between us today did not come by chance. It is attributed to the sustained contact and dialogue with which we have been able to achieve at the highest levels, a sincere commitment to work to strengthen our relationship through mutual respect and understanding. Guyana, like Venezuela, remains committed to the Good Offices process of the United Nations Secretary General,” PM Hinds said.
Ambassador Morandy said Venezuela and Guyana’s territorial issue is a legacy of colonialism that is being discussed and will be resolved through diplomatic channels.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana Dario Morandy stand as the Guyana National Anthem is played
“It will not become an obstacle for the process of integration of our people,” the Ambassador stated.
He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Geneva Agreement and the Good Offices Process.
Prime Minister Hinds said the 5th of July embodies the struggles of Simon Bolivar for a liberated South America and noted that the states of Latin America and the Caribbean are driven by a spirit of determination and resilience, forging stronger relations amongst themselves for the economic progress of the region. He said that regional organisations such as the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin and American and Caribbean states (CELAC) would have made Simon Bolivar justly proud.
“Guyana is committed to working with its sister Caricom member states towards the attainment of the objectives of CELAC,” the Prime Minister said as he explained that body’s goal of continued dialogue between sister states.
Economic and technical assistance
Prime Minister Hinds said there is potential for the expansion of trade relations in the areas of non-traditional crops and air transportation with Venezuela.
He explained that the several areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries bear testimony to their determination to pursue activities of ultimate benefit to the people of Guyana and Venezuela.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana Dario Morandy and other officials stand for the Venezuelan National Anthem
The Prime Minister expressed the Government and people of Guyana’s appreciation for the assistance, both economic and technical, which has been forthcoming from Venezuela.
He made particular mention of the Centre of Rehabilitation and Reintegration at Onverwagt, West Berbice, which will accommodate the homeless and commended Ambassador Morandy for his personal attention to the project.
The Prime Minister stated that the export of rice to Venezuela is unprecedented and urged that the benefits of that trade to both peoples not be underestimated. He expressed pleasure that it was this trade that enabled Guyana to fulfill the arrangement of the Petro Caribe agreement.
Nevertheless, PM Hinds noted that there is always more that can be done to enhance relations between the two countries and improve the lives of their citizens, bringing them closer.
He paid tribute to the President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez and proposed a toast towards his health and well-being.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Morandy stated that, “this anniversary of our independence coincides with a crucial historic moment for Latin America and the Caribbean: the time for Bolivarian integration as a response to the structural crisis of economic neoliberalism…a time of great challenges and decisions.”
Venezuela marked the 201st anniversary of its independence from Spain, with a military-civilian parade in Caracas and street parties across the country.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds chats with guests at the reception to mark the 201st anniversary of Venezuela’s Independence
President Chavez inaugurated proceedings, addressing Venezuelans from the presidential palace and helped get the main parade under way with a live televised address. However he was unable to attend the parade in person, because of ill health.
In 1521 the country was colonized by the Spanish and the first rebellion against Spanish rule took place in 1749. In 1810, Venezuelan patriots took advantage of Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Spain to declare independence; the Independence Act was signed the following year, on July 5, 1811.
SimÓn Bolivar, known as "The Liberator" led 19th Century revolutionary wars against Spain, winning independence for Venezuela which then became a state of Gran Colombia. In 1829-30, Venezuela seceded from Gran Colombia and became an independent republic on 13 January 1830. The country’s Independence was not recognized until March 30, 1845.
The "Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela" has been the country’s full official title since the adoption of the new Constitution of 1999, when the state was renamed in honor of SimÓn BolÍvar.