Heads of State of St Lucia, Chile and Barbados have congratulated Dr Irfaan Ali for his appointment as Guyana ninth President.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen M. Chastanet expressed confidence that under President Ali’s leadership, the two nations will continue to enjoy fertile relations.
In his letter, the Prime Minister said: “I am confident that under your leadership, the existing relations of friendship and good cooperation between Saint Lucia and Guyana as fellow CARICOM Member States will be further strengthened and developed in years to come.”
Prime Minister Chastanet also commended the Guyanese people for their patience during the electoral process.
“I take this opportunity to commend the people of Guyana for their patience in this electoral process. I am indeed delighted that the impasse emanating from disputes over the election process and results, has come to an end and the rule of law has prevailed. I trust that the transition to the new administration will be peaceful and all citizens will unite in the singular purpose of achieving further prosperity for Guyana,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed his “best wishes of good health, happiness and success” to President Ali in his “noble mission” and assured him of his “highest consideration”.
Meanwhile, Chile’s President, Sebastien Pinera Echenique, also expressed a desire to strengthen the ties between Chile and Guyana.
In his letter, President Pinera said it is important that the two countries strengthen co-operation, particularly as the continent grapples with the adverse effects of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“At a time when the Covid-19 pandemic and its negative economic effects have hit our continent hard, it is most necessary to reinforce the dialogue and cooperation between our countries. That is why I expressed my full will and willingness to work together to deepen the ties between Chile and Guyana,” he said.
Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley in her congratulatory letter, expressed a desire to further strengthen relations between the two nations.
In her letter, Prime Minister Mottley states: “I am confident that under your leadership Guyana will pursue ways of addressing the many challenges that will confront it, particularly in a post-COVID-19 era.”
The Prime Minister further noted that Barbados regards highly the long-binding ties between the two nations.
“Barbados highly regards the deep and lasting ties that exist between our two countries and which bind us both bilaterally and as sister members of the Caribbean Community. Guyanese have long contributed to the development of Barbados since before our independence, as Barbadians have contributed to the development of Guyana. Our collaboration is therefore natural and well-founded in our shared history,” she said.
Prime Minster Mottley further said she is looking forward to meeting soon with President Ali “to discuss ways in which we could further strengthen our relationship. The people and government of Barbados wish you, your family and the government and people of Guyana good health as we continue to battle the COVID- 9 pandemic.”
