China’s Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe recently presented a cheque for $1M to Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett to assist with flood relief efforts in Region Nine.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release the presentation was made at a ceremony hosted at the ministry’s South Road office. In expressing gratitude for the donation, the minister said Guyana and China have shared long fruitful bilateral relations, prior to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972.
“As you know the Government of Guyana has deployed all the necessary resources to ensure that lives return to normalcy, as soon as possible for the people of Region Nine. The ambassador is well aware from media reports what took place in the region and he immediately made contact with us at the ministry to indicate his solidarity,” she added.
Rodrigues-Birkett also noted that while significant efforts are being made to cushion the effects of the flood, countries will need to work at the global level to reach consensus on issues related to climate change, which is responsible for the adverse weather conditions currently prevailing. “It is very unfortunate that 2010 recorded the highest emissions, notwithstanding the fact that discussion on lowering emissions has been ongoing for sometime. Guyana looks forward to China’s continuous support at the bilateral level as we look to find solutions to the problems that we face,” she said.
In response, the Ambassador said he had read that Lethem had suffered a severe blow due to the flood and the gesture was made to aid Region Nine. He noted too that “the government relief effort was prompt and has won the approval from the people of all circles in various areas. Many of the efforts had to be made by air traffic.” Wenzhe said the financial support will assist the situation and will further consolidate the friendship and cooperation the two countries share. “We will always support the people and the Government in Guyana, so this is just a gesture of solidarity and friendship in this difficult time for the people in Region Nine,” he added.
