China has been a reliable partner in the development of Guyana’s human resources, President David Granger said on Monday evening at a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
In remarks released by the Ministry of the Presidency, Granger said that this is evident in the recent awarding of scholarships to eleven Guyana Defence Force officers to pursue advanced studies in China.
The reception held at the China-built Arthur Chung Conference Centre attracted protesters some distance away who called for the President to name a general election date soon. Three former Presidents: Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo and Sam Hinds also skipped the reception in protest at Granger’s presence, labelling him a “usurper” President. In recent days, the Granger administration has been described by the US, UK, EU and the Commonwealth as functioning unconstitutionally as it is yet to hold general elections as mandated by the constitution following a successful motion of no confidence.
The President noted that Guyana and China established diplomatic ties forty-seven years ago on 27th June 1972. He added that it was his honour to welcome Wang Yi, State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Guyana in September last year.
Granger pointed out that the visit resulted in the signing of the Framework
Agreement on the Provision of a Concessional Loan between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the implementation of the National Broadband Project; and the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for Grant Aid, which will be used for the development of the Public Service Staff College.
Observers have noted that with the constitutionality of the government in question, Guyana is unlikely to see high-level contacts with major partners.
Granger added Guyana is grateful to China for its contribution to the infrastructural development of the country through the construction and rehabilitation of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre; the Cheddi Jagan International Airport project; the construction of a four-lane highway on the East Coast of Demerara and the Sheriff Street-Mandela Avenue Road Enhancement Project.
