Prime Minister Hinds lauds India’s achievements on country’s 64th Republic Anniversary
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President today applauded India’s work against the socio-economic challenges to build and develop the country over the years.
Extending fraternal greetings on that country’s 64th Republic Anniversary observance in Guyana, he lauded India’s achievements and the level of national development made.
In his presentation during a reception at the Georgetown Club, the Prime Minister highlighted the relationship and bilateral ties between the two countries, and committed Guyana to furthering the relationship through the areas of trade and economic co-operation, investment, air connectivity and private sector partnerships.
Sharing a light moment: High Commissioner of India to Guyana H. E. Puran Mal Meena (second from left) and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds during the reception to observe the 64th anniversary of the Republic of India.
Outlining ways in which the two countries could move ahead to enhance sustained bilateral relationships, he suggested that these could be placed as priority issues on the 2013 agenda of both countries.
On the issue of private sector co-operation, Mr. Hinds invited more sharing and collaboration between the business communities of the two countries, which he observed, would help to surmount challenges and be advantageous in the ways of trade opportunities.
Indian Army during Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, India (Internet photo – NY Times)
The Prime Minister noted that on the investment side, there are currently two agreements between the two countries which are yet to be concluded.
One is a double taxation avoidance agreement, and the second, a bilateral promotion protection agreement “which will create a congenial commercial and economic environment.” He urged the early finalisation of these agreements.
Meanwhile High Commissioner of India to Guyana Mr. Puran Mal Meena in his presentation during the reception briefly outlined the history of India’s Republican status. He also noted that the revolutionary progress of India’s economy in 1991 opened up India’s economy and trade after which “we have never looked back since”. The High Commissioner observed that that India’s economy was growing each year and in 2012 had grown to between 6 to 7%.
Motorcycle stunts were part of the 2013 Republic Day observances in India (Internet photo India Times)
Guyana and India, he noted share “values of democracy and freedom, respect for each other on the basis of equality, respect for multi-cultural society and beliefs in unity in diversity. This relationship has been consolidated in recent years with increased co-operation between the two countries,” High Commissioner Meena stated.
In pointing to the various methods used by the two countries to maintain close relationships, the Indian High Commissioner also highlighted the one- month Indian Science Fair held in 2012 and the opportunities for further education and training available to Guyanese in India through exchanges and scholarships and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
Mr Meena outlined India’s co-operation with Guyana in the area of health through personnel and the plans for the Specialty Hospital with the assistance of India which will further help to improve the health sector.
“We anticipate more Indian participation in Guyana in the fields like global energy, forestry, mining, energy conservation, education, information technology, in the near future,” the High Commissioner said.
India’s Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the date and moment when the Constitution of India came into effect. Although India attained independence on August 15, 1947, it wasn’t till 1949 that it had a permanent constitution of its own. It was functioning under the laws enacted and implemented by the British, and after many amendments the Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949. It came into force in a full-fledged fashion on January 26, 1950. Thus, Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the coming of the Constitution into effect.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other guests gathered at the Georgetown Club for the observance to mark the 64th anniversary of India’s Republic.
The Commission of India was established in Georgetown in May 1965. The Commission was made into a full-fledged High Commission of India in 1968 and the Indian Cultural Centre was set up in 1972.
The relationship between India and Guyana ever since the independence of Guyana in May 1966 has been close and cordial with a high degree of understanding. The warmth in the relation remains unaffected with changes in governments either in India or in Guyana.
India has offered credit facilities to Guyana for use in mutually accepted designated fields, agriculture and information technology, being two of these. Indian companies have also expressed interest in bio-fuel, energy, minerals and pharmaceuticals.