Guyana advanced ahead of other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries when it passed the amendment to the Caribbean Community Free Entry of Skilled Nationals Act to include an additional nine categories of persons under the free movement regime.
At a press conference on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett made reference to Guyana’s compliance with the requirements under the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) which she said is substantial since it puts Guyana ahead of other countries with regards to legislation.
The foreign minister also alluded to the CARICOM retreat that was held in Guyana, during which several areas such as education, agriculture, energy, foreign investment and Information Communication Technology (ICT) were highlighted.
Guyana noted the importance of the issues and “is pleased that Suriname …now chairing CARICOM will continue with the work identified during the retreat,” she said.
Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI)
With regard to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), Rodrigues-Birkett stated that much work has been done since the meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jamaica where she announced the $77 million fund for the CBSI.
At the bilateral level under the CBSI an agreement was signed to look at two key areas: law enforcement and money laundering.
Bilateral relations
Guyana/Venezuela
Bilaterally, Guyana also made much progress in relations with Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil and Rodrigues-Birkett said that the implementation of several cooperation initiatives will continue. She expressed hope that the homeless shelter, which is being funded by the Venezuelan government, will be completed this year.
Guyana/Suriname
Guyana’s relations with Suriname were taken to a different level as there is now very active cooperation in law enforcement. Discussions on the Corentyne River Bridge have also progressed to the preliminary designs stage. This, the minister said will be advanced in this year.
Guyana/Brazil
With regard to Brazil, much progress has also been made as several meetings were held at the level of the Guyana/Brazil frontier committee. Significant advancement was made in terms of the language training by both countries. Brazil would provide experts to teach Portuguese in schools starting in Region Nine, while Guyana would reciprocate likewise, Rodrigues-Birkett said.
The 4th Political Consultation meeting held in Guyana also discussed several issues including the Linden to Lethem road and the additional list to the partial scope agreement. Guyana has completed its internal work in terms of bringing the agreement to its implementation stage.
