In a transfer underscoring Guyana’s longstanding dedication to regional integration, President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, formally handed over the brand new official residence of the CARICOM Secretary-Common to Dr Carla Barnett in a ceremony held on Saturday in Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.
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The occasion was attended by key authorities officers, together with International Secretary Robert Persaud; Everlasting Secretary within the Ministry of International Affairs and Worldwide Cooperation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper; Guyana’s Ambassador to CARICOM, H.E. George Talbot; Everlasting Secretary within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Bishram Kuppen; and representatives from the CARICOM Secretariat.
President Ali highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “Guyana is steadfast in its help of regional integration… we’re pleased with the work of the Caribbean Neighborhood.” He famous that the fashionable residence not solely meets the requirements anticipated for such an official dwelling but additionally helps the efficient functioning of the Secretary-Common’s workplace. “The residence would additionally convey the Secretary-Common nearer to the seat of the Secretariat itself,” he added.
Turning to Dr Barnett, President Ali provided his properly needs: “I want you each success as you perform your duties out of your new residence. Might the residence we hand over in the present day serve not solely as a spot of relaxation, however as a quiet image of our shared journey and of the longer term we’re constructing collectively.”
Accepting the keys to the brand new residence, Secretary-Common Dr Barnett thanked the Authorities of Guyana for fulfilling its dedication. “It truly is a nice place to stay and my household and I look ahead to residing right here. I do know my successors will take pleasure in residing right here additionally,” she mentioned. Dr Barnett additionally shared plans to plant flowers and fruit timber on the property representing every CARICOM member state.
The ceremony concluded with the hoisting of the CARICOM flag for the primary time on the residence, and President Ali signing the customer’s ebook to commemorate the event.
The brand new residence replaces Colgrain Home in Georgetown, which was bought by the Authorities of Guyana in 1975 and housed the primary six CARICOM Secretaries-Common. Each Dr Barnett and her predecessor, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, have been accommodated in rental properties whereas the brand new facility was beneath development.
