Warm welcome for new President
by Robert Bazil
THE diplomatic and business communities are looking forward to working with President Bharrat Jagdeo, representatives attending yesterday's swearing-in ceremony at State House indicated. United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. James Mack said his country will continue to have equally strong relations with the government of President Jagdeo as it had with the administration of Janet Jagan. "It is a new chapter, but I think it is going to be very positive...we are hopeful...I look forward to working with him," Mack said. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington told the Chronicle that yesterday's swearing-in was an historic moment for such a young, dynamic man to be given the major responsibility of leading this country. "...a country which for us is very important...the headquarters of the Community...we look forward to working with him," he said. He said the region already knows the President, has worked him as Minister of Finance, and is hopeful that the mantle that is on his shoulder will one day be delivered in full. British High Commissioner, Mr. Edward Glover said it was an important day for all of Guyana and his government wishes the new President well. Referring to President Jagdeo's speech, Glover said: "I particularly noted his emphasis on young people...Guyana is a young nation and young people have a very important role to play." The envoy was happy that the President emphasised this and many other objectives. Head of the United Nations Systems in Guyana, Mr. Richard Olver was glad to have witnessed the historic generational change, adding that he has had the privilege of working with President Jagdeo and former President Janet Jagan. He looked forward to many years ahead of collaboration between the UN Systems and the Government of Guyana. Outgoing Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. Alan Bowker, who leaves Guyana at 06:00 hrs today after three years here, was pleased that he was able to attend the function as a last official duty. Bowker said he was not able to speak to Mrs. Jagan yesterday but wishes her well and a long life and health. Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Hector Azocar felt it was another demonstration of the will of the people of Guyana to continue being on the democratic path. He noted President Jagdeo's mention in his speech that deepening the relations with neighbouring Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil will continue to be the main point of the government's foreign policy. "We are open and willing to continue on that path in order to achieve better integration and the relations we had in the past," Ambassador Azocar said. Private sector executive, Mr. Yesu Persaud feels that President Jagdeo brings with him the energy, determination and dedication of a very able young man. Persaud felt that the President has worked hard over the years in order to improve the lot of the Guyanese people. "Sometimes I wonder myself...how he can manage it; here, there and everywhere; he has done an extremely good job as the Minister of Finance and I guess he will be doing a better job as President of Guyana," he said. Stating that there is a major task ahead, he observed that the world is changing in a dramatic way and there is a lot of catching up for Guyana to do. Persaud advised that this can only be done if all Guyanese work together and put the country first. Remarking that the new President has made it clear that he is going to hold out the torch of togetherness, he hoped all the other political parties take that up and move together as a team to build a Guyana all can be proud of in the 21st century. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) yesterday in a statement offered congratulations to the nation's seventh President. GCCI said it is sure that as former Minister of Finance, President Jagdeo has a wide and in-depth knowledge of the business community. It urged the President to use his experience to facilitate the private sector in expanding and truly becoming an "engine of growth" that will fuel development. "The fact that Jagdeo is the youngest Head of State in the Western Hemisphere is something of which all Guyanese can be proud. The youthful zeal and brilliance, which served him so well during his tenure as Finance Minister, is certainly a plus to his Presidency," the statement said. It added that as Guyana stands on the threshold of the new millennium, Guyanese will have to subsume their differences and work as a team both for the national and individual interest. GCCI called for an end to the bitterness of the past political era if Guyana is to prosper as a people and as a nation. 
|