Democracy the ‘oxygen’ for development

DEMOCRACY remains the strongest ally for development, said President Dr Irfaan Ali in his address at an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname on the occasion of that country’s 45th independence anniversary.

The President, who is in the neighbouring country on a state visit, told Suriname’s National Assembly that through democracy, the electorate is allowed to hold its government accountable and Guyana looks forward to working with Suriname to ensure greater respect for democratic norms and values.
“Democracy helps to unlock the latent potential of our economies and to boost investor confidence. Indeed, Guyana and Suriname are totally perched to benefit from accelerated growth and development, not only through the exploitation of our natural resources, but through the abundant potential that lies in agriculture, value added, tourism and expanded trade,” President Ali said.

He pointed out that the attention these resources now attract should make both countries thankful for the achievement of political Independence.
“Investors and entrepreneurs are now knocking at our doors, more eager than ever to do business. Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Today, I pledge the solidarity of my government with the people of Suriname and commit to working to ensure enhanced cooperation for our mutual benefit. The future of our economies are intertwined. I believe we should seize this special period, to strengthen our bilateral relations. We have a golden opportunity to begin to dismantle the impediments through bilateral trade – especially if there are no legal obstructions. We should take advantage of both the synergies and complementarities of our economies to deepen economic and social integration,” the President said.
He commended the bonds of friendship, understanding and cooperation that exist between the two countries and saluted the Dutch-speaking neighbour on their independence anniversary as well as fashioning a multicultural society which respects diversity.

Guyana and Suriname he said, have been among the most coveted pieces of real estate between the 17th and 19th centuries. The Spanish, the French, the Dutch and the British all laid claim to these lands. The struggles and sacrifices of the Indigenous, Africans, Maroons, East Indians, Portuguese, Europeans, Chinese and Indonesians, the President reminded eventually lay the basis for the attainment of political Independence and, with it, for the legal certainty that belongs rightly to their people.
Guyana and Suriname are also part of the Caribbean Community. The 45th anniversary of the Republic of Suriname comes at a time for both states to take the lead in demonstrating the efficacy of regional integration, the Guyanese Head of State said.

As Suriname celebrates and enters into the 46th year of its independence, Guyana is preparing to celebrate 55 years as an independent nation next year.
“I believe that both of us should create a dedicated pathway that would deepen economic and social cooperation. My government is prepared to exert its energies in working with the Government of Suriname on the creation of such a plan.

“Allow me to close by once again congratulating His Excellency the President of the Republic of Suriname, his government and the people of Suriname on this auspicious celebration of the Republic of Suriname’s 45th independence anniversary.

“I pray that God will continue to bring the people of Suriname together, bring you in peace and continue to allow prosperity and democracy to flourish in this beautiful land of yours. On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I wish Suriname continued peace and prosperity in the years ahead. Happy independence anniversary! May God bless all of the people and all of you here today and your families,” the President said in concluding his address.