Indo-Guyanese ties a model of cooperation
--- Guyana to get US$32M under ITEC programme
Guyana Chronicle
August 16, 2004
THE RELATIONSHIP between India and Guyana is proceeding smoothly, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Avinash Gupta stated on the observance of India's 57th Anniversary.
Speaking to the media at the Indian Cultural Centre, 67 Bel Air, New Haven, early yesterday morning after an observance ceremony, Mr. Gupta stated that the strong bond between the two countries is a model of cooperation and what relations between countries should be like. He said relations between India and Guyana are growing stronger.
High Commissioner Gupta credited the close ties to two state visits by President Bharrat Jagdeo to India and highlighted India's contribution to Guyana's development in the areas of Culture, Technical Cooperation, Science and Technology.
He also explained that the annual scholarship programme under the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) has been expanded to accommodate forty instead of thirty-five Guyanese.
A state of the art, multi-purpose stadium now under construction with funding from India, is an indication of Guyana moving in the right direction, Mr. Gupta added.
Under the ITEC programme, some US$32M will be utilized to upgrade facilities at three sugar factories in Berbice and technical support will continue with experts working in Guyana for stints ranging from two to five years.
The observance ceremony yesterday morning included the hoisting of the flag of India, songs by students and lecturers of the Indian Cultural Centre, samplings of Indian dishes and High Commissioner Gupta reading a copy of the address to the nation of India by President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam.
He quoted the President as saying, "we must realise the significance and the value of our freedom. Fortunately, after our independence in 1947, we have come a long way in the field of education and have moved towards a knowledgeable society, as a result of the vision of educationalists and the policies and actions of successive governments."