British High Commissioner Mr. Steve Hiscock made the disclosure in an address at a reception to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s birthday.

According to him, the support is sought as the UK faces up to the challenges of globalization, by seeking to shape constructive partnerships with modern nations across the world.

On the Guyana front, the High Commissioner said Year 2002 had been a difficult one for Guyana, but that May 6, 2003 could be considered “a good day” for the country, and a foundation on which Guyanese, working together- all religious and ethnic groups, all classes, all inclusive, can all build with the full support of the international community to promote security and economic stability”

The British envoy, in hailing the UK as a special friend of Guyana, spoke of the deep and broad relationship founded on close historical ties between the two countries.

“We have much in common, more than just a shared history and the game of cricket. Like the Government of Guyana we are working hard to ensure that our assistance reaches out to all the people of this country, through our generous development programmes, police reform, scholarships and through partnerships with NGO’s like the Guyana Relief Council,” he told the gathering.

And in emphasizing the UK’s commitment to the cause, the High Commissioner made mention of a conference scheduled to be held in the UK and hosted by British Secretary of State, Guyanese-born Baroness Amos.

On this note, the High Commissioner said DFID, the department which the Baroness now heads, will focus on supporting the delivery of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), a vehicle for the promotion of increased Guyana government-led donor coordination, and for working towards donor harmonization.

DFID will also continue to provide support through our regional Caribbean programme to enhance trade policy capacity, as well as, by other initiatives to strengthen civil society organizations and enterprise development.

The High Commissioner charged that, “we must not forget that democracy, good governance and the rule of law are essential ingredients to raising standards of living and quality of life for everyone, in Britain, in Guyana, and the wider world.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rudy Insanally, representing the Guyana Government, spoke of the bilateral relations between Guyana and the United Kingdom and reflected on the long historical association binding the two countries and peoples.

“Together, we have established firm ties of cooperation, notably through DIFID which have enabled Guyana over the years to benefit from several facilities including aid, technical assistance and debt reduction that have been offered by the United Kingdom Government,” Minister Insanally posited.

Of Baroness Amos, Minister Insanally said, the Government and people of Guyana are pleased and proud of her achievement, adding “it is known that she is fully sensitized to the many economic and social challenges which face our nation today.