REMARKS BY
HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA AT THE
RECEPTION TO MARK THE NATIONAL DAY RECEPTION
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - July 4, 2002

It is a delight to join you in the celebration of the Two Hundred and Twenty-Sixth (226th) anniversary of the independence of the United States of America.

The struggles of the American people for freedom and self determination; and the creation of a State in which the noble ideals of freedom, equality and justice will flourish have stood as a paragon over the centuries. Those ideals continue to resonate in the hearts of mankind.

Your great country has unlocked the puzzle of translating ideals into practical, living reality embracing the equality of persons and providing for equal opportunity. You have thereby become a champion of democracy, good governance and adherence to the rule of law. The principles and values you represent are admired and adopted by many.

Today, your country stands at the pinnacle of world economic and military power by the dint of the enterprise and hard work of your people. As a consequence, the role the United States plays in international affairs today is unprecedented in modern global affairs. Concomitant with this is the opportunity to affect our world for the good of all.

As you are aware, Guyana shares many of the ideals to which the United States subscribes and is firmly committed to their pursuit for the political, economic and social advancement of our people. Together we have sought to embody some of these ideals, which are in fact enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in our hemispheric resolutions.

Specifically in the Santiago Commitment to Democracy and the Renewal of the Inter-American System, we agreed at the Organisation of American States (OAS) to adopt the necessary procedures to promote and protect representative democracy.

Further, our recent signature of the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism testifies to our commitment to erasing this evil from our midst. Acts of violence, especially against innocent civilians, should be condemned whenever they occur.

Excellency, the unacceptable invasion of the Office of the President and the unprovoked assault of hundreds of innocent citizens, and the wanton destruction of property cannot be justified. As there is no justification for terrorism similarly no grievance legitimate or otherwise, can justify criminal and anti-social behaviour. These acts and such behaviour must be unequivocally condemned. We will not cultivate democratic values by excusing such conduct. We must in this Region summon the courage and find the way to address such behaviour.

Democratic values do not become rooted in an environment where the mass media organs are socially irresponsible and where they are obsessed with fanning the flames of multi-ethnic differences rather consolidating our common identity. Those who are committed to democratic ideals in our society must not remain silent when the media promote racism on a daily basis. We must condemn such developments in our resolve to build a humane society in this hemisphere and maintain a democracy.

I remain ready and open to dialogue in the national interest. I have urged, cajoled towards this pathway. I believe that we cannot continue making excuses and setting obstacles in the path of dialogue. In our case dialogue is not only the preferred way it is the only feasible and acceptable way for us to solve our problems and I will remain untiring in my pursuit of solutions to our national problems.

As a member of the United Nations, Guyana believes that conflicts and disputes, whether they are inter-state or intra-state, are better resolved through dialogue and negotiation. The peaceful solution of problems is always to be preferred since this allows our peoples to devote their full attention to economic and social progress rather than to rebuilding the structures and values deliberately destroyed in wanton and selfless acts.

As you are aware, Excellency, my Government remains committed to the path of peace and development. In pursuit of these goals, we have been pleased to receive the assistance of the United States in strengthening our capacity to address the challenges that continue to face us.

The Caribbean Basin Initiative has served to enhance our prospects for increased trade and economic relations with your country. We believe however that it should be further expanded to encourage greater investment in CARICOM countries. In spite of our best efforts CARICOM states are finding it increasingly difficult to attract sufficient capital flows and investment to their small economies.

In this context, we have noted with interest President Bush’s Third Border Initiative and hope that it will be sufficiently ample to address the many needs of our region.

Excellency, with the passage of time, Guyana and the United States have led increasingly to work with each other in their common interest. Whether it is in the fight against HIV/AIDS, drug-trafficking and trans-boundary crime, we have developed patterns of collaboration which build greater confidence and trust into our relations. More contact and travel between our countries are bound to promote mutual awareness and appreciation of our different histories and cultures. The significant number of Guyanese who have found a home in the United States has created a special bond that reinforces our diplomatic efforts to maintain our ties of friendship. These interactions should be allowed to flourish.

Excellency, your Independence celebration this year coincides happily with the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference which Guyana has the honour and privilege to host. This coincidence has not doubt expanded your guest-list but it also demonstrates the larger partnership which all CARICOM countries have with the United States.

In recognition of our long-standing friendship and cooperation, I would not like to propose a toast on behalf of Guyana - and all present here - to the health and success of President Bush and to the continued prosperity of the American people