New Holy See, Malaysian and Jamaican diplomats accredited

Diplomats from the Holy See, Malaysia and Jamaica, were accredited by President David Granger Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The new diplomat to Guyana for Holy See, Apostle Nuncio Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, said the Holy See intends to work with the government to implement developmental projects to improve the living standards for the less fortunate and also promote human rights.

The Holy See is the central governing body of the entire Roman Catholic Church and is located within the Vatican City in Italy, Europe.

“Our main concern is to serve the people regardless of their religious affiliation promoting solidarity and supporting especially the poor, the voiceless and those who are in need,” the Archbishop said.

He recalled the commitment of Pope Francis’s efforts to make the world a better place in defending the dignity of the human person at every stage of life.

Twenty-six-years ago Guyana established diplomatic relations with the Holy See and President David Granger reiterated the two countries’ deep commitment to the values of justice, the preservation of peace and the promotion of universal human rights.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s new High Commissioner to Guyana, Datuk Lim Juay Jin noted that Malaysia is committed to sharing experiences and providing support in Guyana’s sustainable development progress.

The two countries have shared common positions in global and regional issues in areas of politics and economics.

“Economic cooperation continues to be the core expectation of our relationship, as Guyana embarks on a more rapid and sustainable development progress, Malaysia stands greatly in offering the necessary expertise and sharing of best practices in this regard,” the new High Commissioner said.

Malaysia has accrued experiences in the infrastructural development, in the commodity-based industry, the oil and gas industry and education.

In accepting the High Commissioner’s credentials, the President said Guyana and Malaysia have advanced cooperation in the field of rice production and development.

In 2016, a team from the Malaysian Agriculture Research & Development Institute (MARDI) visited Guyana and met with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

This meeting helped to update the implementation of a Reverse Linkage Project between Guyana and Malaysia to further improve the rice industry.

Guyana and Jamaica are aiming to take its existing relationship to new heights with the appointment of its new non-resident High Commissioner of Jamaica, Arthur Williams.

The High Commissioner said Jamaica is currently on an upward economic trajectory and is pleased to continue to work with Guyana in the areas of economic growth, investment and job creation.

“I wish to reiterate Jamaica’s commitment to further deepening of the integration process and the strengthening of the mutual-beneficial partnership on development of our countries and region and for the betterment of the lives of our peoples,” Williams said.

The High Commissioner explained that Jamaica’s debt to GDP ratio has moved from over 140% to 96% and the employment rate is at the lowest.

He also noted that the construction industry and road infrastructure continues to expand.

President Granger also reiterated Guyana’s commitment to work with Jamaica to implement policies aimed at combating crime and enhancing regional security.