Talks of renewed friendship and an “unbreakable bond” were heard yesterday as the new High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, James Quinn presented his Letters ofHead of State, Donald Ramotar and UK Envoy, James Quinn toast in presence of other officials.Credence to the Guyanese Head of State, Donald Ramotar.The ceremony, during which the President accepted the credentials,Bismack Biyombo Jersey, took place at Quinn’s Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown office before his wife, Wendy Quinn; UK Ambassadors; Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robeson Benn; Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper; and other officials.In presenting his letters, Quinn extended greetings from Queen Elisabeth II to the people of Guyana. The High Commissioner described it as a privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to work with another Commonwealth member.“Our countries have a long and varied history and whilst we could debate what happened in the past in some detail, indeed the historian in me would like nothing more; we have, I believe, an unbreakable bond upon which I want to build,” he said.Quinn noted as fundamental both nations’ desire to expand their 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. There are many great Guyanese who have made their mark on British society,” the High Commissioner said.The list of such individuals, he said,Wholesale NBA Jerseys, is long but would include the likes of Baroness Amos, Trevor Phillips, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Lord Ouseley, and Bernie Grant.“This doesn’t mean we won’t have our differences. 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,” the Ambassador said.Quinn’s comments comes after outgoing UK envoy, Andrew Ayre had expressed concerns over the prorogation of Parliament. The Outgoing High Commissioner to Guyana had indicated that Guyana was increasingly being regarded as a country of concern in London and risked being referred to the Commonwealth’s Ministerial Action Group.The UK envoy had said that the suspension of the Parliament since November 10, last year without any justification, and the delay in holding Local Government Elections since 1994,Custom Utah Jazz Jerseys, violated Guyana’s Constitution and the Commonwealth Charter.His statements outraged the Guyana government which responded labelling Ayre a “pariah” and dismissing his concerns about possible sanctions.Continuing yesterday, the High Commissioner said in the short-term future, joint immediate priorities are to help ensure free, fair and transparent elections on May 11, which will produce a Parliament and President fully representative of the will of all of the people of Guyana.“I personally look forward to observing the elections,” he said.“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,” remarked Quinn.The High Commissioner expressed a desire to see more Guyanese students studying in the UK before returning to Guyana and assured that the number of Chevening educational scholarships will triple this year.“There is much for us to do and talk about during my time as British High Commissioner. I trust that the Government and people of Guyana will take whatever I say in the constructive spirit in which it is meant. Just as I will take on board any constructive criticisms you may have of me,” he ended.He said that he looks forward to Government’s full support to advance a common agenda and deepen their “strong and enduring friendship”.Reacting to well wishes Quinn brought from the Queen,Authentic Nike NBA Jerseys, the President also sent greetings.President Ramotar said that Guyana views its relationship with the UK as a “very important one”, hence he was confident that the High Commissioner’s appointment would advance and further strengthen it.Guyana, the President added,Cheap NFL Jerseys, has had “very good cooperation initiatives” in the areas of debt relief, education, water supply,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, restructuring of the sugar industry, public sector reform and the strengthening of the judiciary and law enforcement, adding that, “we look forward to working with you to build on these and other initiatives”.The planned increase in the number of Chevening Scholarships offered is a move that the President said he was pleased with. |