Dr Irfaan Ali Presidnt of Guyana said that the opportunity is before Guyana and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to forge a stronger partnership.
President Ali also told the Non-Resident High Commissioner of The Bahamas— Her Excellency Leslia Miller-Brice during her swearing-in ceremony that a stronger relationship between the two states could enhance sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, sport, youth development, financial services and trade and investment.
The President said that as the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries near its mark, “the opportunity is therefore before us to craft a stronger partnership and a programme for bilateral collaboration and cooperation”.
He said that it is his hope that the two countries can intensify cooperation during the High Commissioner’s tenure, particularly given the people-to-people links that exist.
“I know that there is a significant Guyanese population in the Bahamas. We must therefore work on establishing a functional cooperation programme that will rebound to the benefit of both our peoples.”
The Head of State also noted that he is looking forward to welcoming the Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Honourable Chester Cooper, who will be leading a Bahamian delegation to attend this week’s Agri-Investment Forum and Expo.
To this end, the President said he hopes that with the participation and support of CARICOM Member States, including The Bahamas, development partners and the private sector, concrete solutions to improve regional food security and increase the intraregional trade in food commodities and products will be formed.
During her address to the President, the High Commissioner also said that The Bahamas is looking forward to collaborating at the technical level towards reducing its exorbitant food import bill by strengthening its agricultural sector through expanded production and increased capacity.
“We look forward to engaging in constructive discussions to expand our technological experience and increase our knowledge base and agricultural fields for food security, rural development and sustainable development,” the High Commissioner said.
