Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday said the deployment of a British warship to waters off the coast of Guyana breaches the "spirit" of an agreement reached between Venezuelan and Guyanese authorities. In a statement, Venezuela's Foreign Ministry said the country "reserves all actions, within the framework of the Constitution and International Law, to defend its maritime and territorial integrity."

Venezuela launches military exercise over UK warship ‘threat’

Venezuela launches defensive exercise on border with Guyana | Essequibo crisis

The UK is preparing to send a warship to Guyana in a show of diplomatic and military support for its former colony. This as Venezuela renews its claim for a disputed part of Guyanese territory, known for its oil & minerals reserves.

Gravitas | Britain's grandstanding in South America? UK to send warship to Guyana | Here's Why

The United Kingdom is preparing to send a warship to Guyana in a show of diplomatic and Military Support for the former British colony. The move comes amid an escalating territorial dispute with Venezuela.

Venezuela-Guyana dispute: UK extends diplomatic & military support for Guyana

'The last thing the world needs right now is another War,' Brazilian President Lula De Silva said while talking about the Venezuela and Guyana row over Essequibo, a resource reach region located offshore in Guyana.

Venezuela-Guyana dispute: We don't need a war in South America, says Brazilian President

Tensions rose between Venezuela and Guyana on Tuesday as Caracas proposed a bill to create a Venezuelan province in a disputed oil-rich region and ordered the state oil company to issue licenses for extracting crude there.

Guyana, Venezuela tensions rise over disputed oil-rich region

Tensions between neighbouring countries of Venezuela and Guyana have escalated in recent weeks. The US is holding military drills with Guyana. The dispute is regarding a border territory around the Essequibo River.

US-Guyana conduct joint military drills amid tensions

In a territorial dispute with neighbouring Guyana, Venezuela voters have rejected the International Court of Justice jurisdiction.

Venezuelans reject International Court of Justice ruling on border dispute ruling | WION Newspoint

In a world where economic landscapes are constantly evolving, there's one nation that's been making headlines with its explosive growth. Guyana, a South American nation, is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation. It is poised to become the world's fastest-growing economy, driven primarily by its expanding oil sector.

Guyana's explosive economic growth

The IMF claims that Guyana's GDP grew by 62.3% in 2022, the fastest in the world. In addition to the fact that a third oil field has begun to produce oil, investments in housing, transportation, and human capital development have all contributed to the growth of Guyana's nonoil industry.

Guyana's Oil Odyssey: From discovery to global prominence

The descendants of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, on Friday (August 26) apologised for their family’s slaveholding past in Guyana amid calls to pay reparations to Jamaica for an ancestor’s role in slavery.

Gladstone’s father, John, was said to be one of the largest slaveholders in the parts of the Caribbean that were colonised by the British, as per AFP.&nbsp;

According to a University of London Legacies of British Slavery database, John Gladstone owned or held mortgages of more than 2,508 enslaved Africans in Guyana and Jamaica in the 19th Century.

<h2>Apology in Guyana</h2>

Speaking at the launch of the University of Guyana’s International Centre for the Study of Migration and Diaspora, Charles Gladstone, William’s great-great grandson said, “Slavery was a crime against humanity and its damaging impact continues to be felt across the world today.”

“It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor’s involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologise to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana,” he added.&nbsp;

He also “urged other descendants of those who benefited from slavery to open conversations about their ancestors' crimes and what they might be able to do to build a better future.” The Gladstone family also apologised for their role in indentureship.

This comes as John Gladstone is also believed to have owned two ships that transported thousands from India and elsewhere to work as ‘indentured labourers’ after slavery was abolished in 1834.&nbsp;

Charles Gladstone, in Guyana, also vowed to support the work of the new university department and called on the United Kingdom to hold talks with the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on reparations.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Unacceptable’</h2>

The Gladstone apology was met with a strong rebuke from multiple Guyanese descendants of African slaves present at the university. “It is not accepted,” said one of the protesters in the lecture hall.&nbsp;

They also held placards that read, “Your guilt is real Charlie. Move quickly to reparations now,” as per AFP, while another read “The Gladstones are murderers.”&nbsp;

An Afro-Guyanese activist Nicole Cole told the news agency how the apology was insufficient but acknowledged that it was a step towards “recognizing that a crime was committed and that people's lives have been disrupted.”

A member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Eric Phillips said that research showed that the British owe the descendants of Africans in Guyana more than $1.2 trillion.&nbsp;

<h2>What about slavery reparations to Jamaica?</h2>

During the apology in Guyana, there was no mention of John Gladstone’s slave ownership in Jamaica nor did the family speak about its intention to apologise or make donations.&nbsp;

Recently, the Gladstones have also faced accusations and criticism for failing to acknowledge the case for paying slavery reparations in Jamaica.

However, the family told the BBC, “At the moment we are solely focused on Guyana.” They added, “There is a huge amount to do here (in Guyana).”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The descendants of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, on Friday (August 26) apologised for their family’s slaveholding past in Guyana amid calls to pay reparations to Jamaica for an ancestor’s role in slavery.

The descendants of former British Prime Minister William Gladstone, on Friday (August 26) apologised for their family’s slaveholding past in Guyana amid calls to pay reparations to Jamaica for an ancestor’s role in slavery. Gladstone’s father, John, was said to be one of the largest slaveholders in the parts of the Caribbean that were colonised by the British, as per AFP. According to a University of London Legacies of British Slavery database, John Gladstone owned or held mortgages of more than 2,508 enslaved Africans in Guyana and Jamaica in the 19th Century. Apology in Guyana Speaking at the launch of the University of Guyana’s International Centre for the Study of Migration and Diaspora, Charles Gladstone, William’s great-great grandson said, “Slavery was a crime against humanity and its damaging impact continues to be felt across the world today.” “It is with deep shame and regret that we acknowledge our ancestor’s involvement in this crime and with heartfelt sincerity that we apologise to the descendants of the enslaved in Guyana,” he added. He also “urged other descendants of those who benefited from slavery to open conversations about their ancestors' crimes and what they might be able to do to build a better future.” The Gladstone family also apologised for their role in indentureship. This comes as John Gladstone is also believed to have owned two ships that transported thousands from India and elsewhere to work as ‘indentured labourers’ after slavery was abolished in 1834. Charles Gladstone, in Guyana, also vowed to support the work of the new university department and called on the United Kingdom to hold talks with the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on reparations. ‘Unacceptable’ The Gladstone apology was met with a strong rebuke from multiple Guyanese descendants of African slaves present at the university. “It is not accepted,” said one of the protesters in the lecture hall. They also held placards that read, “Your guilt is real Charlie. Move quickly to reparations now,” as per AFP, while another read “The Gladstones are murderers.” An Afro-Guyanese activist Nicole Cole told the news agency how the apology was insufficient but acknowledged that it was a step towards “recognizing that a crime was committed and that people's lives have been disrupted.” A member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Eric Phillips said that research showed that the British owe the descendants of Africans in Guyana more than $1.2 trillion. What about slavery reparations to Jamaica? During the apology in Guyana, there was no mention of John Gladstone’s slave ownership in Jamaica nor did the family speak about its intention to apologise or make donations. Recently, the Gladstones have also faced accusations and criticism for failing to acknowledge the case for paying slavery reparations in Jamaica. However, the family told the BBC, “At the moment we are solely focused on Guyana.” They added, “There is a huge amount to do here (in Guyana).” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Family of former British PM William Gladstone apologises for slave-owning past

Investigators in Guyana suspect a fire that killed 19 people, mostly girls, locked in a school dormitory was deliberately set by a student who was furious that her mobile had been taken away, a top official said Tuesday (May 23).

The suspect in the late-Sunday fire, who was among those injured, had been penalised by the dorm supervisor for having an affair with an older man, according to National Security Adviser Gerald Gouveia. As per&nbsp;Gouveia, the student reportedly threatened to ignite the hostel and then set fire to a bathroom area.

14 children lost their lives in the incident at the scene and another five died in hospital. Six wounded kids were airlifted to the capital Georgetown, while around 17 others were admitted to the local hospital.&nbsp;

"14 youths died at the scene, while five died at the Mahdia District Hospital," said a statement from the fire department.

"Initial investigations suggest that it was maliciously set and our investigations are continuing," police commissioner Clifton Hicken said during a press conference.

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&nbsp;

He added that no suspects have yet been identified.

He further said that DNA analysis, which is required to identify 13 victims, will be conducted 'expeditiously'.

Earlier, the police had released a statement saying that one student who had witnessed fire in the dormitory bathroom, was awakened by screams.

Mark Ramotar, the director of the police communications department earlier on Monday said that most of the 19 children who lost their lives in the incident, were Indigenous. "The dorm usually houses students from Indigenous communities," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-kids-die-in-guyana-school-dormitory-fire-president-ali-calls-it-major-disaster-595155">20 kids die in Guyana school dormitory fire, President Ali calls it ‘major disaster’</a>

The youngest of the victims was a five-year-old boy, the son of the dormitory's caretaker.

As per a list from the Ministry of Education, all the other victims were girls and included several siblings and at least one set of twins.

President Irfaan Ali met with some parents of the deceased after visiting Mahdia's hospital. He released a statement saying that the country will hold three days of mourning.

Ali's statement further added that the victims' families are being provided with counselling and other support.

"There are no words that can describe this magnitude of pain that our brothers and sisters are going through," he said. "This is a pain we must carry as a nation and as a family."&nbsp;

"This is a major disaster. It is horrible, it is painful," he added.

Ali further asserted that he had ordered arrangements to be made in Georgetown's two major hospitals "so that every single child who requires attention be given the best possible opportunity to get that attention."&nbsp;

<h2>Anger mounts over the incident in Guyana</h2>

On Monday, around 50 people, who were the relatives and friends of the victims, took to the streets of Chenapau, a village close to Mahdia that is home to many of the school's pupils.

"The sheer pain, the agony, the trauma," Michael McGarrell, who lost two nieces in the blaze, told AFP. "Who will be held responsible?"

"Why are school children grilled up in death traps? What are we going to tell the parents?" said McGarrell, an activist with the Amerindian People's Association (APA) which is often at odds with the government over land rights.

"Firefighters did manage to rescue some 20 students by breaking holes in the north-eastern wall of the building," the fire service said.

The government said officials were supporting efforts at Ogle Airport in the capital to "receive the critical patients and coordinate an emergency plan of action."

"A full-scale medical emergency action plan has been launched," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Investigators in Guyana suspect a fire that killed 19 people, mostly girls, locked in a school dormitory was deliberately set by a student who was furious that her mobile had been taken away, a top official said Tuesday (May 23).

Investigators in Guyana suspect a fire that killed 19 people, mostly girls, locked in a school dormitory was deliberately set by a student who was furious that her mobile had been taken away, a top official said Tuesday (May 23). The suspect in the late-Sunday fire, who was among those injured, had been penalised by the dorm supervisor for having an affair with an older man, according to National Security Adviser Gerald Gouveia. As per Gouveia, the student reportedly threatened to ignite the hostel and then set fire to a bathroom area. 14 children lost their lives in the incident at the scene and another five died in hospital. Six wounded kids were airlifted to the capital Georgetown, while around 17 others were admitted to the local hospital. "14 youths died at the scene, while five died at the Mahdia District Hospital," said a statement from the fire department. "Initial investigations suggest that it was maliciously set and our investigations are continuing," police commissioner Clifton Hicken said during a press conference. The fire at a schoolgirls' dormitory that killed 19 people in Guyana may have been started "maliciously," police sayhttps://t.co/huVroZgxa2 pic.twitter.com/JLnSUzKjyz — AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 23, 2023 × He added that no suspects have yet been identified. He further said that DNA analysis, which is required to identify 13 victims, will be conducted 'expeditiously'. Earlier, the police had released a statement saying that one student who had witnessed fire in the dormitory bathroom, was awakened by screams. Mark Ramotar, the director of the police communications department earlier on Monday said that most of the 19 children who lost their lives in the incident, were Indigenous. "The dorm usually houses students from Indigenous communities," he said. ALSO READ | 20 kids die in Guyana school dormitory fire, President Ali calls it ‘major disaster’ The youngest of the victims was a five-year-old boy, the son of the dormitory's caretaker. As per a list from the Ministry of Education, all the other victims were girls and included several siblings and at least one set of twins. President Irfaan Ali met with some parents of the deceased after visiting Mahdia's hospital. He released a statement saying that the country will hold three days of mourning. Ali's statement further added that the victims' families are being provided with counselling and other support. "There are no words that can describe this magnitude of pain that our brothers and sisters are going through," he said. "This is a pain we must carry as a nation and as a family." "This is a major disaster. It is horrible, it is painful," he added. Ali further asserted that he had ordered arrangements to be made in Georgetown's two major hospitals "so that every single child who requires attention be given the best possible opportunity to get that attention." Anger mounts over the incident in Guyana On Monday, around 50 people, who were the relatives and friends of the victims, took to the streets of Chenapau, a village close to Mahdia that is home to many of the school's pupils. "The sheer pain, the agony, the trauma," Michael McGarrell, who lost two nieces in the blaze, told AFP. "Who will be held responsible?" "Why are school children grilled up in death traps? What are we going to tell the parents?" said McGarrell, an activist with the Amerindian People's Association (APA) which is often at odds with the government over land rights. "Firefighters did manage to rescue some 20 students by breaking holes in the north-eastern wall of the building," the fire service said. The government said officials were supporting efforts at Ogle Airport in the capital to "receive the critical patients and coordinate an emergency plan of action." "A full-scale medical emergency action plan has been launched," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Guyana school dorm fire that killed 19 was set off by girl over cell phone confiscation: Official

Police in Guyana is probing the shocking death of 19 children in a school dormitory fire. The incident has caused massive uproar in the South American Nation Authorities suspect the blaze may not be an accident and could be an act of arson.

Guyana school fire: Dormitory fire kills 19, police suspect international act of arson | WION

A “horrific” fire at a school dormitory in the South American country of Guyana left at least 20 children dead and seven injured.

The fire broke out Monday midnight at the Mahdia Secondary School in central Guyana. Nation's President Irfaan Ali called it “a major disaster”.

“It is horrible, it is painful," the South American nation's president said.

The government is evacuating the injured to the capital, Georgetown, where a special centre has been set up.

The president said that arrangements have been made in the two major hospitals in Guyana's capital of Georgetown "so that every single child who requires attention be given the best possible opportunity to get that attention."

<h2>US concerned by Israeli minister Ben Gvir's 'provocative' visit to Al-Aqsa mosque</h2>

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Bad weather conditions are impeding the emergency services’ ability to contain the fire, the government said.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn is at the scene of the fire incident, and the prime minister and other government officials are on their way there, AFP news agency reported.

"It is with heavy heart and pain that the Cabinet is being briefed and kept updated on a horrific fire at the dormitory in Mahdia. All efforts are being made to have a full-scale medical evacuation-supported response," the government's Department of Public Information said in a statement.

<h2>Questions being raised</h2>

Even as the government is taking all measures to save the lives of the injured, questions are being raised against the school authorities as to how did the fire spread so much to engulf a whole dormitory. &nbsp;

The opposition member of Parliament, Natasha Singh-Lewis, called for an investigation into the fire's cause.

"We need to understand how this most horrific and deadly incident occurred and take all necessary measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again," she said.

According to reports, the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory is at the centre of the Guyanese government’s push to improve the education level in the less developed part of the country.

In previous government statements, the construction of the school dormitory has been described as an effort to “bridge the gaps between the hinterland and coastal areas,” reports CNN.

Guyana is located between Venezuela and Suriname on the northern coast of South America.

A small English-speaking country of 800,000 people, Guyana is a former Dutch and British colony with the world's largest per capita oil reserves, which it hopes will help spur rapid development.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A “horrific” fire at a school dormitory in the South American country of Guyana left at least 20 children dead and seven injured. The fire broke out Monday midnight at the Mahdia Secondary School in central Guyana.

A “horrific” fire at a school dormitory in the South American country of Guyana left at least 20 children dead and seven injured. The fire broke out Monday midnight at the Mahdia Secondary School in central Guyana. Nation's President Irfaan Ali called it “a major disaster”. “It is horrible, it is painful," the South American nation's president said. The government is evacuating the injured to the capital, Georgetown, where a special centre has been set up. The president said that arrangements have been made in the two major hospitals in Guyana's capital of Georgetown "so that every single child who requires attention be given the best possible opportunity to get that attention." US concerned by Israeli minister Ben Gvir's 'provocative' visit to Al-Aqsa mosque Bad weather conditions are impeding the emergency services’ ability to contain the fire, the government said. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn is at the scene of the fire incident, and the prime minister and other government officials are on their way there, AFP news agency reported. "It is with heavy heart and pain that the Cabinet is being briefed and kept updated on a horrific fire at the dormitory in Mahdia. All efforts are being made to have a full-scale medical evacuation-supported response," the government's Department of Public Information said in a statement. Questions being raised Even as the government is taking all measures to save the lives of the injured, questions are being raised against the school authorities as to how did the fire spread so much to engulf a whole dormitory. The opposition member of Parliament, Natasha Singh-Lewis, called for an investigation into the fire's cause. "We need to understand how this most horrific and deadly incident occurred and take all necessary measures to prevent such a tragedy from happening again," she said. According to reports, the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory is at the centre of the Guyanese government’s push to improve the education level in the less developed part of the country. In previous government statements, the construction of the school dormitory has been described as an effort to “bridge the gaps between the hinterland and coastal areas,” reports CNN. Guyana is located between Venezuela and Suriname on the northern coast of South America. A small English-speaking country of 800,000 people, Guyana is a former Dutch and British colony with the world's largest per capita oil reserves, which it hopes will help spur rapid development. (With inputs from agencies)

20 kids die in Guyana school dormitory fire, President Ali calls it ‘major disaster’

India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, is set to travel to Guyana and the Dominican Republic later this month. The visit to Guyana comes at a time when there have been three high-level visits from Guyana to India this year, including the visits of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess. The key focus of India-Guyana ties has been on energy, with India importing crude oil from the country.

In January, President Ali spoke to WION and stated, "We have agreed to set up 2 technical teams and those teams will examine all the possibilities in the sale of crude, direct investment in exploration, govt to govt collaboration in exploration and operation." The diaspora has been another pillar of the relationship, with approximately 327,000 Guyanese citizens of Indian descent.&nbsp;

The Indians migrated to Guyana, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, during the time of British colonialism. In fact, President Ali himself is of Indian origin and was invited to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Defence has been another element of cooperation, with Guyana keen to get defence platforms from India.&nbsp;

The Dominican Republic will be another key stop during Dr. Jaishankar's visit as New Delhi increases its engagement with the Caribbean region. Diplomatic relations between India and the Dominican Republic were established in May 1999.

At present, there are approximately 200 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin living in the country. India's engagement with the Caribbean region has been on the rise in recent years, with the Indian government seeking to deepen economic and political ties with the region. 
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India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, is set to travel to Guyana and the Dominican Republic later this month. The visit to Guyana comes at a time when there have been three high-level visits from Guyana to India this year, including the visits of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr.

India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, is set to travel to Guyana and the Dominican Republic later this month. The visit to Guyana comes at a time when there have been three high-level visits from Guyana to India this year, including the visits of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess. The key focus of India-Guyana ties has been on energy, with India importing crude oil from the country. In January, President Ali spoke to WION and stated, "We have agreed to set up 2 technical teams and those teams will examine all the possibilities in the sale of crude, direct investment in exploration, govt to govt collaboration in exploration and operation." The diaspora has been another pillar of the relationship, with approximately 327,000 Guyanese citizens of Indian descent. The Indians migrated to Guyana, especially from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, during the time of British colonialism. In fact, President Ali himself is of Indian origin and was invited to the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Defence has been another element of cooperation, with Guyana keen to get defence platforms from India. The Dominican Republic will be another key stop during Dr. Jaishankar's visit as New Delhi increases its engagement with the Caribbean region. Diplomatic relations between India and the Dominican Republic were established in May 1999. At present, there are approximately 200 Indian nationals and people of Indian origin living in the country. India's engagement with the Caribbean region has been on the rise in recent years, with the Indian government seeking to deepen economic and political ties with the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Guyana, Dominican Republic this month

Guyana's Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo is visiting India, he spoke to WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal about the bilateral partnership in the energy sector and about India's role as G20 head.

Guyana Vice-Pres Bharrat Jagdeo talks to WION, says 'we are looking to learn quite a bit from India'

Guyana's Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said that his country plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance cooperation in the energy sector beyond crude oil exports.

Guyana's Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said that his country plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance cooperation in the energy sector beyond crude oil exports. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Jagdeo emphasised the need to develop the industry in an orderly and sustainable manner and explained that "by 2027, we will produce over a million barrels, maybe 1.2 million barrels per day, that's a steep ramp up. That's almost 20% of India's daily use." Guyana's vice president also told WION that the country is seeking to purchase defence capabilities from India to assist with protecting its maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones from illegal fishing and safeguarding its oil and gas industry. This is the third high-level visit from Guyana to India in the last two months, after the visit of Guyana's President Irfaan Ali and chief of defence staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess. WION: What kind of energy cooperation exists between India and Guyana? Any plans to export crude to India? Dr Bharrat Jagdeo: Well, we hope that will happen eventually. So now we're trying to build the architecture for a broader look at the energy sector and enhance cooperation between Guyana and India. So we're expecting shortly to sign a memorandum of understanding that would go beyond just the export of crude, but we'll look at the energy sector and its development in its totality. And we are also looking to learn quite a bit from India. In that process as we build out our industry. In Guyana, it's a fledgling industry. We just started producing oil in 2019. By 2027, we will produce over a million barrels, maybe 1.2 million barrels per day, that's a steep ramp-up. That's almost 20% of India's daily use. And so we are working to ensure that the sector develops in a manner where the oil companies bear their share of responsibilities both from an environmental perspective and a fiscal perspective and that the industry is developed in an orderly way. So that is why India's assistance and its great technical skills, you have a lot of smart people here who can help us in defining the growth of the industry, but not just on oil, on the gas sector as we move to develop a gas policy and to start utilizing the gas resources and then in terms of environmental management, building capacity across the country. So we are looking forward with great excitement to the development of a strong relationship with India on energy-related matters. WION: How do you see India and Guyana's relationship? Dr Bharrat Jagdeo: So I'm not new to India, and our relationship has always been a warm one. I came here in 1993, as a finance minister with the president, I made two state visits here in the early 2000s as President and now coming as vice president in support of the President's earlier agenda. But recently, I think there's been a great impetus to this move forward. I think it's a function of a government here that is very aggressive, that is looking out for India's interests, that is interested in building partnerships around the world, and we're very appreciative of it. And just on this visit alone, I'll probably meet about five ministers and the vice president and the president of India in just a short period of time, and we really appreciate that. So we want to reciprocate, we want to make sure that from our side, we're not found wanting because we believe with the new opportunities in Guyana, can serve both India and Ghana's interests well, so this is really important for the recent impetus of the relationship. WION: and Defense cooperation? Are you looking at Dorniers? Dr Bharrat Jagdeo: Well, yes, we're looking at a number of defence capabilities, but in our case, it is mainly for peaceful purposes. We have great relationships with our neighbours and where we're not looking to fight a war. We're a small country, with less than a million people. But India, particularly in the defence sector, has some really great capabilities and we're looking to buy some of that capability to assist us with the task of exercising greater sovereignty over maritime boundaries or exclusive economic zones. We have major leakages there from illegal fishing, and now that our oil and gas industry is braced primarily offshore. We have to protect those assets. Similarly, Air capability would allow us to better serve people who live in the vast hinterland of the country where there are small communities so that's why we want to work in that sector, too. And we've already been on this trip, we've had discussions with the people that matter, who are supplying these goods and services, and we hope to wrap up some arrangements very soon. WION: India is the President of the G20 grouping, how do you see India becoming the voice of the Global South, the Global South that is impacted by Russia Ukraine conflict? Dr Bharrat Jagdeo: India has always had an independent global voice and a more nuanced position on issues of development. And we are hoping that that will continue in its presidency of the G 20. PM Modi has, because of the strength of his character, and because India has made enormous advances on every front, on renewable energy on the economy, in its stature globally, that people, India is best served now at this point in time in amplifying the voice of the south, those who are dispossessed, those who will not ever get invited to those forums. We've seen India's willingness to do that, to represent the interests not only of its own interest but that of the global south including small countries. Just at the conference at TERI, the minister of the Environment spoke about small island states. But it didn't surprise me because India has always done that not just to represent the big developing countries but small ones too, and I think that is why so many countries look up to India, and they are so excited about its presidency of the G 20. But of course, we have to be realistic. Not everything would be achieved there, but at least their issues will be brought to the agenda. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Guyana to tap into India's technical skills for orderly oil and gas industry development

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets.&nbsp;

This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military.

WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two&nbsp;years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. &nbsp;

WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India.

WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas.

WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a&nbsp;country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank.

WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have.&nbsp;

WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage.

WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.&nbsp;

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities.

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets. This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military. WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India. WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas. WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank. WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have. WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage. WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.

Exclusive | Guyana looking to get Dornier from India in first such major defence deal

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K J Srinivasa has said that technical teams of both India and Guyana will sit down to discuss the oil trade.

Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the high commissioner said, "So the govt of India has been talking with the govt of Guyana, we are to work on govt-to-govt biases. We have decided technical teams from both countries will sit down and discuss ways of collaboration."

India took two loads last year, one was a consortium of HPCL, later by an Indian Oil Corporation.

He also spoke about India's ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative that "really helped" New Delhi and "its India's image, that we will help others no matter what".

India under the Vaccine Maitri exported Covid vaccines to almost 100 countries including Guyana. He also spoke on the diaspora connection, the visit of the President of Guyana's India visit, Guyana's economy among other things. Here are some key excerpts.&nbsp;

<h2>Views on Indian diaspora</h2>

"Guyana has 39% diaspora of Indian origin and the connect has been for last 183 years,” he said.

"Indo-Guyanese have retained Indian roots, even though it has been 183 years. They celebrate all the Indian festivals. The cuisines, the religion, the traditions. If you go to a mandir in Guyana, it seems you have entered a time capsule because of the bhajans from eastern UP, Western Bihar. Traditions have remained, old Bhojpuri songs."

<h2>Guyana President Irfaan Ali's India connect</h2>

"Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha university under ITEC scholarship of Indian govt. This is his fourth visit to India, one as a student, one as a MP and a minister. This is the first time he has come as a head of state"

<h2>India-Guyana cultural connect</h2>

"Holi is called&nbsp;Phagwa&nbsp;in Guyana, they sign&nbsp;chautals&nbsp;which are basically songs for Lord Krishna and Rama. They are sung in the same tone and depth as they are sung in eastern UP and Bihar. They celebrate all the important festivals, be it Holi, Shivratri, Diwali, Dussehra, or everything. On Diwali, they have a Diwali motorcade parade in which Diwali themes are played by the actors and lit up brilliantly. They do traditional Kartik arti."

"We get Guyanese youth and elderly people for an extensive journey for 3 weeks. We call it the Know India program. Under the know India program, every 2 months we get Guyanese youth and familiarize them with India. The elderly are taken on a pilgrimage called as&nbsp;Prabhas Tirth Dham Yojana."

"Whenever I talk to Indo-Guyanese, they talk eloquently about the links they have with India.I remember I went to a remote village a few months into covid, we were to help them with gift hampers, and giving them food. An old gentleman came, and when he knew who I was, he held my hand and became emotional. This was because I was the first Bharatiya, Indian he had seen in many decades. That is the emotion they have, this cultural connection will remain."

<h2>Guyana &amp; Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</h2>

"Guyana has been a long-standing partner for India through thick and thin. In fact, even though Guyana is a member of OIC, it has never associated itself with those resolutions."

<h2>Energy exports to India</h2>

Guyana started pumping out crude oil only in December 2020, and they are expected to pump 1.7 million barrels by 2035. At the same time, it will become the world's richest country per capita. They call it the “Dubai of the Caribbean".

"India took two loads last year, one was a consortium of HPCL, later by the Indian Oil Corporation. This oil&nbsp;is the lifeline of countries. So, the government of India has been talking with the government of Guyana, we are to work on govt-to-govt biases. We have decided technical teams from both countries will sit down and discuss ways of collaboration. Gas is one more sector, India can collaborate."&nbsp;

"We have signed a contract between Engineers India Limited and the government of Guyana for a project management contract, for an 800-million-dollar gas-to-energy project. It is interesting to know, implementing company for the project is an American company but it will be supervised by an Indian company."

<h2>India's vaccine diplomacy—'Vaccine Maitri’</h2>

"When I went to the hospital...everyone was waiting in the room when they realised who I was, that I was the Indian high commissioner. They thanked India, our country. They said, India is our saviour."

"Vaccine diplomacy really helped India. I tell you, today, if India has a good standing, it was reinforced. Today if I go to any govt, trust me nobody says no. It's India's image that we will help others no matter what. PM Modi, the Indian government has shown. Indian people have shown they are generous.”

India's support to Guyana

"India doesn't work on the relationship which is quid pro quo. We maintain our traditional relationship, our partnership across the world with a view of south-south cooperation. Guyana has been a beneficiary of this aid, a partnership with India. Be it the ITEC scholarship of which 650 Guyana nationals have taken advantage, his excellency is one of them.”

“The cricket stadium in Guyana was built by India for the world cup. We have given them pumps to deal with floods. Traffic lights in George town were installed by India. We have given them the Centre of excellence in IT. Currently infrastructure projects worth about $105 million, one is the ferry. We have roads, and hospitals that are being constructed"

<h2>Guyana's economy</h2>

"Guyana is wanting to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean.&nbsp;It has rich soil, abundant water, and good connectivity in the region. It has FTAs with all the Caribbean countries and Latin American countries...Guyana is offering a lot of land on the lease; they are looking for investors. Guyana can be one of the countries for our people. It is ready to give concessions in terms of tax concessions"

"Last year Guyana grew by 50 per cent. Crude oil will bring a lot of opportunities,” he added.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K J Srinivasa has said that technical teams of both India and Guyana will sit down to discuss the oil trade. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the high commissioner said, "So the govt of India has been talking with the govt of Guyana, we are to work on govt-to-govt biases.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr K J Srinivasa has said that technical teams of both India and Guyana will sit down to discuss the oil trade. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the high commissioner said, "So the govt of India has been talking with the govt of Guyana, we are to work on govt-to-govt biases. We have decided technical teams from both countries will sit down and discuss ways of collaboration." India took two loads last year, one was a consortium of HPCL, later by an Indian Oil Corporation. He also spoke about India's ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative that "really helped" New Delhi and "its India's image, that we will help others no matter what". India under the Vaccine Maitri exported Covid vaccines to almost 100 countries including Guyana. He also spoke on the diaspora connection, the visit of the President of Guyana's India visit, Guyana's economy among other things. Here are some key excerpts. Views on Indian diaspora "Guyana has 39% diaspora of Indian origin and the connect has been for last 183 years,” he said. "Indo-Guyanese have retained Indian roots, even though it has been 183 years. They celebrate all the Indian festivals. The cuisines, the religion, the traditions. If you go to a mandir in Guyana, it seems you have entered a time capsule because of the bhajans from eastern UP, Western Bihar. Traditions have remained, old Bhojpuri songs." Guyana President Irfaan Ali's India connect "Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha university under ITEC scholarship of Indian govt. This is his fourth visit to India, one as a student, one as a MP and a minister. This is the first time he has come as a head of state" India-Guyana cultural connect "Holi is called Phagwa in Guyana, they sign chautals which are basically songs for Lord Krishna and Rama. They are sung in the same tone and depth as they are sung in eastern UP and Bihar. They celebrate all the important festivals, be it Holi, Shivratri, Diwali, Dussehra, or everything. On Diwali, they have a Diwali motorcade parade in which Diwali themes are played by the actors and lit up brilliantly. They do traditional Kartik arti." "We get Guyanese youth and elderly people for an extensive journey for 3 weeks. We call it the Know India program. Under the know India program, every 2 months we get Guyanese youth and familiarize them with India. The elderly are taken on a pilgrimage called as Prabhas Tirth Dham Yojana." "Whenever I talk to Indo-Guyanese, they talk eloquently about the links they have with India.I remember I went to a remote village a few months into covid, we were to help them with gift hampers, and giving them food. An old gentleman came, and when he knew who I was, he held my hand and became emotional. This was because I was the first Bharatiya, Indian he had seen in many decades. That is the emotion they have, this cultural connection will remain." Guyana & Organisation of Islamic Cooperation "Guyana has been a long-standing partner for India through thick and thin. In fact, even though Guyana is a member of OIC, it has never associated itself with those resolutions." Energy exports to India Guyana started pumping out crude oil only in December 2020, and they are expected to pump 1.7 million barrels by 2035. At the same time, it will become the world's richest country per capita. They call it the “Dubai of the Caribbean". "India took two loads last year, one was a consortium of HPCL, later by the Indian Oil Corporation. This oil is the lifeline of countries. So, the government of India has been talking with the government of Guyana, we are to work on govt-to-govt biases. We have decided technical teams from both countries will sit down and discuss ways of collaboration. Gas is one more sector, India can collaborate." "We have signed a contract between Engineers India Limited and the government of Guyana for a project management contract, for an 800-million-dollar gas-to-energy project. It is interesting to know, implementing company for the project is an American company but it will be supervised by an Indian company." India's vaccine diplomacy—'Vaccine Maitri’ "When I went to the hospital...everyone was waiting in the room when they realised who I was, that I was the Indian high commissioner. They thanked India, our country. They said, India is our saviour." "Vaccine diplomacy really helped India. I tell you, today, if India has a good standing, it was reinforced. Today if I go to any govt, trust me nobody says no. It's India's image that we will help others no matter what. PM Modi, the Indian government has shown. Indian people have shown they are generous.” India's support to Guyana "India doesn't work on the relationship which is quid pro quo. We maintain our traditional relationship, our partnership across the world with a view of south-south cooperation. Guyana has been a beneficiary of this aid, a partnership with India. Be it the ITEC scholarship of which 650 Guyana nationals have taken advantage, his excellency is one of them.” “The cricket stadium in Guyana was built by India for the world cup. We have given them pumps to deal with floods. Traffic lights in George town were installed by India. We have given them the Centre of excellence in IT. Currently infrastructure projects worth about $105 million, one is the ferry. We have roads, and hospitals that are being constructed" Guyana's economy "Guyana is wanting to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean. It has rich soil, abundant water, and good connectivity in the region. It has FTAs with all the Caribbean countries and Latin American countries...Guyana is offering a lot of land on the lease; they are looking for investors. Guyana can be one of the countries for our people. It is ready to give concessions in terms of tax concessions" "Last year Guyana grew by 50 per cent. Crude oil will bring a lot of opportunities,” he added.

India, Guyana technical teams to discuss oil trade, says Indian envoy K J Srinivasa 

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa spoke to WION during the President of Guyana Irfaan Ali's India visit. The President was on a week-long India visit which he started from Indore. In Indore he attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Speaking exclusively with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, pointed to the energy cooperation between the 2 countries. He said India last year took consignments of oil from the South American country, one by a Consortium by HPCL and another by Indian Oil Cooperation. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa belongs to the 2002 batch of India Foreign Service. He has worked in different capacities in the Indian Diplomatic Missions in Madrid (Spain) and Lima (Peru).

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa speaks to WION

President of Guyana Irfaan Ali spoke exclusively with WION during India visit. The President was on a week-long India visit which he started from Indore. In Indore he attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Speaking exclusively with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he lauded India's economic growth and how it has been "leading in the game of technology, food production, environmental Services, human resource development for some time now." He also spoke on Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, Oil exports to India among other things.

Exclusive conversation with President of Guyana Irfaan Ali

India and Guyana might be geographically far from each other but they are linked by many things including a strong Indian diaspora. WION Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Siddhant Sibbal spoke to Guyana's President Irfaan Ali about his experience in India and Guyana's relation with the nation.

WION Exclusive: Guyana's President Irfaan Ali speaks to WION

Guyana's foreign minister Hugh Hilton has lauded India's development role in his country. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Hilton said, "India is well-positioned in the development goals. We have great potential in terms of oil and gas, but we don't speak much on it. We focus on diversification and the sectors which have great potential and greater sustainability so for us, we see oil and gas as a gift". Since last year, India is looking to diversify their imports of crude oil and Todd believes that with Guyana’s resources, the two countries can reach an agreement in that sector. “India has purchased 1 million barrels of crude oil. Looking at that and also our market, that level of trade will be valuable, and it shall be beneficial for the people of Guyana as well as India.”

India key development partner, Guyana's foreign minister Hugh Hilton

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both.

In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Todd called India a ‘strategic partner’ and said that the two countries have a lot in common and increased trade relations between them will be beneficial for both nations. &nbsp;

“We have established relations with India before we got our political independence. It is only fair to say that over the years of our relations, we've been strengthening and deepening our cooperation. We have been working very closely with India and India is a strategic partner of Guyana.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-strategically-trust-india-says-portugal-foreign-minister-cravinho-slams-russia-china-nexus-474891" hreflang="en">Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho</a>

“India is well-positioned in the development goals. We have great potential in terms of oil and gas, but we don't speak much on it. We focus on diversification and the sectors which have great potential and greater sustainability so for us, we see oil and gas as a gift,” Todd explained.

Since last year, India is looking to diversify their imports of crude oil and Todd believes that with Guyana’s resources, the two countries can reach an agreement in that sector.

“India has purchased 1 million barrels of crude oil. Looking at that and also our market, that level of trade will be valuable, and it shall be beneficial for the people of Guyana as well as India.”

Guyana is home to a number of Indian-origin people who went to the Caribbean islands many years ago and India have been an ally to Guyana since the first democratic election in 1992. Todd met with Indian minister of external affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the relationship between the two nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-rulers-fire-50-qualified-university-professors-to-replace-them-with-clerics-taliban-members-474882" hreflang="en">Taliban fire 50 university professors, to replace them with clerics</a>

“When the first democratic election happened in 1992, we were a bankrupt nation. India has been so good and kind with Guyana in terms of the social sector as well, in terms of being a partner as well even though we are geographically apart. We have closer ties in technological advancements,”

“We have paved the way in terms of policies in the ease of travel, ease of business, healthcare, education, security, etc. In terms of access, there is no challenge, and we have to do a bit more in terms of promoting Guyana in the cities here and Guyana is looking toward India not only as a regional leader but even as a global leader,” he said about their relations with India.

Todd also spoke about the number of cricketers like Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and how the sport connects both India and Guyana.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-regulatory-crackdown-china-to-hold-symposium-with-the-countrys-big-tech-firms-474875">End of regulatory crackdown? China to hold symposium with Big Tech firms</a>

“Cricket shows a lot of friendship. It is the most popular sport in Guyana and people from there are here in the IPL. There's a lot of activity in the cricket field and I think it’s good for the region and its good for the sportsmanship. It is also good for the cultural aspect and cricket for us is a very valuable sport. People in Guyana have stars here in India that they follow, and they respect,”

“He (India PM) spoke about cricket. He wanted to know who our star was,” he concluded.

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both.

Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Hilton Todd believes that India shares a deep bond with his country and the relationship between the two nations can be beneficial for both. In an exclusive interview with WION's Sidhant Sibal, Todd called India a ‘strategic partner’ and said that the two countries have a lot in common and increased trade relations between them will be beneficial for both nations. “We have established relations with India before we got our political independence. It is only fair to say that over the years of our relations, we've been strengthening and deepening our cooperation. We have been working very closely with India and India is a strategic partner of Guyana.” Also read | Can 'strategically trust' India, says Portugal Foreign Minister Cravinho “India is well-positioned in the development goals. We have great potential in terms of oil and gas, but we don't speak much on it. We focus on diversification and the sectors which have great potential and greater sustainability so for us, we see oil and gas as a gift,” Todd explained. Since last year, India is looking to diversify their imports of crude oil and Todd believes that with Guyana’s resources, the two countries can reach an agreement in that sector. “India has purchased 1 million barrels of crude oil. Looking at that and also our market, that level of trade will be valuable, and it shall be beneficial for the people of Guyana as well as India.” Guyana is home to a number of Indian-origin people who went to the Caribbean islands many years ago and India have been an ally to Guyana since the first democratic election in 1992. Todd met with Indian minister of external affairs S Jaishankar to discuss the relationship between the two nations. Also read | Taliban fire 50 university professors, to replace them with clerics “When the first democratic election happened in 1992, we were a bankrupt nation. India has been so good and kind with Guyana in terms of the social sector as well, in terms of being a partner as well even though we are geographically apart. We have closer ties in technological advancements,” “We have paved the way in terms of policies in the ease of travel, ease of business, healthcare, education, security, etc. In terms of access, there is no challenge, and we have to do a bit more in terms of promoting Guyana in the cities here and Guyana is looking toward India not only as a regional leader but even as a global leader,” he said about their relations with India. Todd also spoke about the number of cricketers like Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and how the sport connects both India and Guyana. Also read | End of regulatory crackdown? China to hold symposium with Big Tech firms “Cricket shows a lot of friendship. It is the most popular sport in Guyana and people from there are here in the IPL. There's a lot of activity in the cricket field and I think it’s good for the region and its good for the sportsmanship. It is also good for the cultural aspect and cricket for us is a very valuable sport. People in Guyana have stars here in India that they follow, and they respect,” “He (India PM) spoke about cricket. He wanted to know who our star was,” he concluded.

Exclusive | Guyana is looking towards India as a global leader, says foreign minister Hugh Hilton Todd

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