The Indian Diaspora in Guyana – who are generally called Indo-Guyanese – are exceptionally exceptional. They are now third or fourth generation in their adopted land, have made great contributions by converting the marshy, waterlogged, open fields into fertile and productive land along with their brothers and sisters of the five other races making up our country’s population. With their contribution, Guyana created the world class Demerara sugar and some of the best rums in
the world and essentially converted Guyana into the “rice bowl” of the Caribbean. In essence, the modern Guyana owes a lot to the contribution of East Indians, and for this, all Indians should
be proud.
Amazingly, East Indian Guyanese have done an outstanding job in preserving Indian culture in various forms through religious practices, food and cuisine habits; though over time, lost
linguistic and family contacts from ancestral land, primarily owing to enormous distance involved and difficult physical connectivity. It is therefore befitting that on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day, and other holidays of Indian influence, we reflect on and celebrate our beginnings. Furthermore, bilateral relations between Guyana and India continue to be strengthened, as the Government of India is
currently assisting with several local developmental projects. Currently, India is assisting with the two Line of Credit (LOC) projects – the US$15 Million East Bank/East Coast Link Road and the US$17.5 Million upgrade of three primary hospitals. The supply of pumps for US$4 Million and an ocean-going ferry costing US$18 Million, of which $8 Million will be a grant. Also, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology at the University of Guyana, which is a full grant project, is worth US$1 Million. Following a successful trial period, India will supply more Rice Husk Gasifiers, similar to the present prototype being used. The High Commission is currently in the planning stages of hosting a Rice Food Festival here which will showcase the contributions of Indo-Guyanese
to the Agriculture sector. In other areas of cooperation, India is looking to further develop
Guyana’s health sector and the coconut and sugar industries. It is expected in 2018 that Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, will discuss further areas of cooperation, with the
aim of strengthening the relationship between our nations. The relationship between Guyana and India is highly friendly irrespective of the party in power. We have been having the best of best relationships between us.
By H.E. Mr. V. Mahalingam
The Indian High Commissioner to Guyana