Canada’s former High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, recently expressed her aspiration for Guyana to become a global beacon of multiracial and multicultural tolerance.
As Chatterjee prepares to draw the curtains on her time as High Commissioner in Barbados, and return to Ottawa at the end of August, she reflected on her time in Guyana and her hopes for its future.
Chatterjee, who served as Canada’s representative to Guyana, Suriname, and CARICOM from 2017 to 2020, and later to several other Caribbean nations, highlighted the longstanding and evolving relationship between Canada and Guyana. “Canada has been with you for hundreds of years, and we have a shared history that goes back to our mutual independence from Britain,” Chatterjee said. “It is my fervent hope that Guyana can become a beacon to the rest of the world as a country of multiracial and multicultural tolerance by transcending history and forging a future that benefits all Guyanese.”
The diplomat pointed to recent initiatives, such as the first-ever Heads of Government Canada-CARICOM Summit held in Ottawa in October 2023, as evidence of the strengthening ties between Canada and the Caribbean. Chatterjee noted that this summit, along with numerous high-level visits, demonstrates the commitment to deepening collaboration between Canada and its Caribbean partners.
Chatterjee also praised the resilience of the Guyanese people, citing their ability to come together in the face of adversity as a source of inspiration. “I have seen this resilience time and again, whether it was during the COVID-19 pandemic when Guyana shared vaccines or after Hurricane Beryl, when you provided relief, personnel, and funds to those impacted,” she said. “Your sense of community and solidarity is a model for the world.”
During her tenure, Chatterjee worked with both the APNU+AFC and PPP/C governments and maintained strong relationships with leaders such as former President, David Granger and President Irfaan Ali. She described her interactions with both administrations as cordial and respectful, while noting the importance of unity for Guyana’s future success.
Chatterjee also acknowledged the appeal of Guyana’s culture, warmth, and hospitality, which continue to attract Canadian tourists, businesses, and professionals. She highlighted the contributions of the Guyanese diaspora to Canada’s society, underscoring the deep connection between the two nations. “Our intertwined past, present, and future are built on shared values, interests, and a geographic community that continue to connect us,” Chatterjee said.
As she prepares to depart the region, Chatterjee expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the hospitality she received in Guyana, saying, “Thank you for welcoming me to your country. This is not farewell, but rather ‘À la prochaine,’ until we meet again.”
(Note : The High Commissioner’s Op-Ed first appeared in the Stabroek News and was reworked by Guyana Standard Staff)
