Here’s what they’re saying
The State Visit by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
Guyana Chronicle
February 19, 2004
TODAY, the President of the Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, arrives in Guyana for his first State Visit to this country. Here, some citizens share their thoughts on President Chavez’s visit.
JUDITH GLASGOW - Businesswoman:
We welcome President Chavez to Guyana and we do hope that his visit would enhance the relationship between Guyana and Venezuela, and that it would benefit both countries economically and otherwise. There are lots of Guyanese who are in Venezuela, and a few Venezuelans in this country as well, especially in the border areas. It is indeed a good thing for leaders who have their citizens in other countries to come together and discuss plans for the benefit of their citizens. It would also be a good thing for President Jagdeo to visit Venezuela at the earliest opportunity, so that they could work out things for our mutual good.
KURT YORKE - Technician:
It is interesting - Mr. Chavez coming to Guyana right now, considering his stance on the international scene in respect of how he feels towards the United States, and his posturing with Cuba. It is interesting at times when one tries to find out where his position is on international issues - especially with the world dividing itself into blocks again. I still can’t figure out definitively just where he is. I can’t see why Guyana would want such a person whom we can’t pin down right to a particular block right now. I don’t think we need somebody who is sitting on the fence.
ROLEX BUTTERS - Supervisor:
We all know our history as regards our relationship with Venezuela as a neighbour. I think that a better relationship should be fostered between the two countries, particularly since we are neighbouring countries, and the world is becoming more of a global village in terms of trade and other relations. It would really be interesting to see what would come out of the visit.
ROLDON ROSS - Taxi Driver:
I would sincerely hope that coming out of President Chavez’ visit to Guyana, there would be improved bilateral relations between the two countries. When you really look at it, the Guyana-Venezuela’s relationship is not honky dory. There is still something left unsettled, and I do not know if Mr. Chavez’ coming here will solve that. If it does, that will be a big step forward. However, let’s trust the process and hope that things will redound to our mutual good.
MARILYN WILLIAMS - Housewife:
I join in welcoming President Chavez to Guyana and sincerely hope that coming out of discussions between himself and President Bharrat Jagdeo programmes can be arranged, and exchanges between the young people of that country and young Guyanese. We are thankful for the national gymnasium, which I understand, was a gift from the Venezuelans, and would like to see greater ties being forged in the area of sports and information technology.
ESTHER ENGLISH - Housewife:
I think it is a good time for Guyana and Venezuela to finally settle what ever differences might have existed between the two nations. Guyana and Venezuela are neighbours, and we all know that strained relations are not the best. So we sincerely hope that coming of President Chavez’ visit, our two countries can look forward to improved diplomatic relations.