It is indeed a pleasure to be here at this celebration of the 48th Republic Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to savour the hospitality for which Guyana is internationally famous. It was just over one year ago that I participated in the Official Opening of this High Commission, an important milestone in the Trinidad and Tobago – Guyana bilateral relationship.
Throughout its journey from Independence in 1966 to its status as a Republic in 1970, Guyana has consistently been at the forefront of the Region’s diplomatic efforts to create a space for small island developing states (SIDS) to advance our interests in the international arena in the face of our special vulnerabilities. To that end, Guyana played a leadership role in the creation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.
It gives me special pleasure to recall Guyana’s seminal role in the creation of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), particularly since it was conceived out of an appeal from a regional gathering of artists who were participating in a convention in Georgetown, Guyana in 1970 which coincided with Guyana’s move to Republican status. Guyana also hosted the first CARIFESTA in 1972. Over the years CARIFESTA has continued to grow and I am proud to say that Trinidad and Tobago will host CARIFESTA XIV in 2019.
For the Government of Trinidad and Tobago this Mission serves to facilitate new linkages and the deepening of existing ties. There can be no question of the commitment of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to solidifying its ties with Guyana and to the pursuit of commercial, cultural, economic and technical cooperation. We are resolved to strive to ensure that this mutually advantageous relationship redounds to the benefit of both the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago and of Guyana.
I thank you.
Click to read official statement document - Remarks delivered by Mr. Tedwin Herbert Deputy Permanent Secretary Ag on Guyana's 48th anniversary
