President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday expressed his gratitude at receiving the high honour of the Pushkin Medal, and speaking Russian, he thanked Ambassador Pavel Sergiev and the people of Russia.
The President received the Pushkin Medal on Friday from the Russian Ambassador to Guyana at State House on Main Street, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
The Head of State recalled his student days when he received the foundation of a higher education without which he could not occupy the position he currently holds.
GINA quoted him as saying: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President of Russia and the Russian people not only for this award, but also for the assistance rendered in all spheres of economic and social life for the continuous support for Guyana’s efforts to improve the well-being of its people.”
Jagdeo recalled that during the time he spent in Russia, he had the opportunity of witnessing the richness and depth of Pushkin’s legacy and therefore was truly proud and privileged to be one of the select group of recipients of the medal.
He also made reference to the several fruitful initiatives between the two countries, including development in the bauxite industry.
Moreover, Jagdeo thanked the Russian people for the scores of Guyanese who were able to study in Russia in the areas of economics, human medicine, agriculture, engineering and other dis-ciplines.
The President along with other Heads of State, including President of the Czech Republic, Stepan Mesich, was bestowed with the Medal in 2007 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Pushkin Medal, established on May 9, 1999, was created to commemorate the 200th birth of well-known great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.
It is given to persons who have contributed greatly to popularising the Russian language and culture and preserving the historical and spiritual heritage of the country, as well as strengthening comprehensive ties between countries, nations and peoples.
The award is silverware and consists of the portrait of Pushkin on its right side and the poet’s embossed signature in its centre, while the medal’s number is on the reverse side.
