India (Commonwealth Union)_ During his first visit to Guyana, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Indian community and highlighted the partnership between India and Guyana, which he deemed suitable for the contemporary era. He also informed the community of his discussions with Guyanese leadership and their mutual determination to upgrade their partnership. Further, Jaishankar expressed his delight in interacting with the Indian community and conveyed his appreciation to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Speaker Manzoor Nadir for their participation.
Following the diaspora meeting, he took to Twitter and posted, ”Delighted to interact with the Indian community this evening in Guyana. Thank Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Speaker Manzoor Nadir for joining us. Conveyed that we are forging a partnership that is fit for purpose for the contemporary era”. Additionally, he also met with Guyanese service officers who had previously received training in India.
Furthermore, Jaishankar attended the commissioning of the India-made ferry MV MA Lisha along with the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali. He praised the ferry’s significance in enhancing connectivity within Guyana and providing economic opportunities for remote hinterlands. Additionally, he visited the evocative monument to Indian arrival in Berbice and expressed his admiration for the community’s efforts and accomplishments. He stated, ”MA Lisha means friendship. The ferry made by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata is its practical expression. This ferry would significantly enhance connectivity within Guyana. It will provide mobility and economic opportunities for distant hinterlands”.
During his visit, Jaishankar also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial and highlighted his timeless message of climate consciousness. He also planted a tree to mark the India-Guyana friendship. He participated in morning prayers at the Ram Krishna Dharmik Mandir and lauded the Minister of Human Services Vindhya Vasini Persaud for her involvement. He said, “So glad to see how traditions, heritage, and customs are being maintained”.
Jaishankar, along with his Jamaican counterpart, Kaminaj Smith, also co-chaired the 4th India-CARICOM ministerial conference held in Georgetown. Prior to his nine-day state visit to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, Jaishankar met with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York. This was his inaugural visit as the External Affairs Minister to these Latin American nations and the Caribbean.
