[www.inewsguyana.com] – Newly accredited British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn says that while Guyana and the United Kingdom may have disagreements, the two countries are friends nevertheless.
Quinn made the point during his accreditation ceremony on Monday, March 2, at the Office of the President. This comes after the former High Commissioner Andrew Ayre had expressed concerns over the prorogation of Parliament by President Donald Ramotar. Ayre had said that sanctions hang in the balance for Guyana should the prorogation continued.
His statements outraged the Guyana government which responded labelling Ayre a “pariah” and dismissing his concerns about possible sanctions.
But Quinn posited “friends often disagree. The best friendships are those which are strong enough to overcome disagreements. Indeed they must be strengthened by them. I look forward to coming years of varied and substantive debates.”
Quinn noted that Guyana and the United Kingdom have a long and varied history and essentially both countries would like to expand bilateral relationship and cooperation in all areas of mutual concern.
“Let me assure you that the British Government attaches great importance to the maintenance of the strongest possible bilateral ties. Our historical ties are strong and we have shared interests in politics, culture and sport,” said the newly accredited High Commissioner.
Quinn indicated that one of the issues that take paramount interest at present would be to ensure free fair and transparent General and Regional Elections, come May 11.
“Our relationship looks beyond politics. In my time here I want to ensure British businesses, big and small, have the opportunity to invest in, and sell to, Guyana. We produce some of the best goods and services in the world and are at the forefront of innovation. I want to see more evidence of that here in Guyana. I also want to see more Guyanese students studying in the UK before returning to Guyana. To encourage this, the number of Chevening educational scholarships will triple this year,” remarked Quinn. [Jomo Paul]
