“We intend to actively seek out opportunities to promote food security, energy security and climate security with the Government and People of India”
As someone of Indian Origin, how has your heritage shaped your personal journey and influenced your role as the High Commissioner of Guyana to India?
I have always identified as a Guyanese of Indian origin—Indian from the point of view of ethnicity and not nationality. As a Guyanese national, my upbringing in a multicultural and multiethnic society has ultimately played an important role shaping my values, particularly my early development experiences growing up in a rural environment where I was immersed in a community where diversity was the norm and coexistence was a way of life.
Guyana is home to many religious groups, with the three main religions being Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. Religious
tolerance is very high in Guyana and celebrations of religious occasions are normally observed by the different groups. My own religious background is linked to Hinduism, and I have always believed in the values of ethnic and religious tolerance, respect, and harmony, and have lived my life accordingly. These characteristics would have played a substantial role in influencing my appointment as the High Commissioner of Guyana to India, as they have enabled me not only to represent Guyana in a manner that honors my heritage but also the inclusive diversity of my homeland.
With Guyana’s National Day approaching, what does this day symbolize for you and your fellow citizens? How do you plan to commemorate it in India?
I was born in an Independent Guyana and learnt of our colonial history in the course of pursuing studies and during my day to- day interactions with persons who experienced colonialism. Independence Day symbolizes freedom from foreign rule and instills a sense of pride and self-determination. All Guyanese look forward to the 26th May to celebrate this freedom and to renew their desire to develop Guyana in the best possible way.
The Guyana High Commission in New Delhi will observe this occasion by hosting of members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the Government of India, the business community, Guyanese nationals and other esteemed guests at a reception on the 27th May at the ICT Maurya.
The High Commission will also be publishing a Special Collectable Edition Magazine on Guyana at 59, to show case different aspects of Guyana.
The recent visit of the Prime Minister of Guyana to India in March 2025 marked a significant diplomatic event. What were the major outcomes, and how will this visit shape future cooperation?
The Prime Minister of Guyana, the Honourable Mark Phillips visited India in early March 2025 to take part in the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025. During this visit the Prime Minister Hon’ble Mark Phillips met with several Government agencies and companies and discussed a diverse set of developmental issues, relative to Guyana’s national interest, across multiple sectors.
Among the major issues ventilated are Renewable Energy in all its forms, Climate Protection, Protection and Conservation of Biodiversity, Solid Waste Management, Health Care, Roads and Railway infrastructure and Information, Communication Technology. Meetings were also held with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The Prime Minister visit is another high-level engagement that is setting the framework for enhancing bilateral relationship with between Guyana and India.
What are the current collaborations in the healthcare sector between India and Guyana? Are there new areas of joint initiatives being explored?
There are numerous areas of collaboration between Guyana and India in the area of healthcare at both the Government and private sector levels. I am pleased to note that Guyana and India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia with objectives of harmonizing legislation and regulations that will provide for enhanced cooperation in trade of pharmaceutical products and enhance quality and safety of medicines.
Additionally, Guyana and India also signed a MOU that covers a framework for collaboration on medical products including medicines, raw materials for medicines, biological products, medical devices and cosmetics.
There is also ongoing training and education of our healthcare personnel which also involves Indian human resources working in
Guyana.
Education is a key area of international cooperation. What scope do you see for stronger ties in education, research, and skills development between our two nations?
The building of our human capital through the ITEC program continues to be a key area of support from India to Guyana. For many years India has been providing scholarships and training in diverse fields especially Agriculture and Health care. In the field of Agriculture, training is being done at different levels in different disciplines including up to the PhD level in both crops and livestock. Drainage and Irrigation and general waste management are also covered.
It is expected that there will be enhanced training and collaboration in the area of information technology and renewable energy,
especially solar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Guyana in November 2024 was a milestone. What lasting impact has
this visit had on the bilateral relationship?
The historic visit to of the Hon. Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Guyana marked the first visit of an Indian
Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.
It represented a significant milestone in enhancing cooperation between our two nations and across multiple sectors. During the
visit Guyana and India signed several key agreements in critical areas, such as hydrocarbons, health, pharmaceuticals, broadcasting,
culture, agriculture and technology transfer.
The visit of Hon. Prime Minister Modi to Guyana also served to reinforced our shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and to collaboratively address regional and global concerns. To this end, Guyana was also honoured to host the second India-CARICOM Summit during the said visit. This occasion epitomizes the deep historical, cultural and diplomatic bonds that unite India and the wider Caribbean.
Further, the subsequent visit of the Hon. Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of Guyana to India in March, 2025 is a testament our commitment to bolstering cooperation and collaboration between our two countries.
As the High Commissioner, what is your vision for taking the Guyana-India relationship to the next level in the coming
years?
The role of the High Commissioner and the office of the High Commission in the context of agreements and intentions of the Heads of State of India and Guyana is very clear. It is the intention of the High Commissioner and his Office to promote trade, training, education, health care, technology, culture and world peace. We intend to actively seek out opportunities to promote food security energy security and climate security with the Government and People of India.
With a strong and active Indian-origin Community in Guyana, how do you see their role in national development and in strengthening ties with India?
The Guyanese population, although very small, is resilient and creative, hardworking and very patriotic. With almost 43% of the population consisting of people of Indian origin and English speaking, it is natural that there will be the strengthening of relationships with India.
The fact that India itself is developing as a world leader in several areas also increases India’s attractiveness as a developmental partner in the areas of Trade, Health Care, Renewable Energy Technology and Innovation, food production, defence technologies etc., and will act as a “pull” factor in strengthening ties with India. Our shared culture and cuisine will also enhance the relations and the trajectory of our development agenda and the fact that Guyana is now a significant oil producer will be an added attraction to India’s private sector and an area of interest for the Government of India.
What are the key sectors where Indian businesses and investors can find opportunities in Guyana? How is the government encouraging such partnerships?
Today, there are many Indian companies operating in Guyana. In the area of education, there has been the establishment of some Universities by Indian companies.
Several companies are operating in the construction sector, especially transportation networks, and still more companies are providing services in upgrading our electricity transmission lines. Indian contractors are also establishing renewable energy (solar) hubs in numerous isolated communities of varying sizes.
There are also investments by Indian companies in the health care sector, forestry, mining, minerals and jewellery. The Government
of Guyana is actively promoting investment by establishing mechanisms to make investment hassle-free. To this extent, there is the establishment of an office (GO-Invest) to provide assistance to potential investors.
There are also international advertisements for contracts to execute Government contracts and there is no objection to foreign companies to bid on the local market. The government is also providing several incentives including tax holidays for investors.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
Envoy Excellency magazine has over the years established itself as a leading publication that promotes national awareness, education, bilateral and multilateral cooperation and diplomacy.
We would like to congratulate the Editor and Team of Envoy Excellency for the exceptional work they are doing in producing a beautiful and educational publication that is very attractive to readers and thank them for their efforts in highlighting the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship between Guyana and India.