Date: November 20, 2024
PM Modi Honored with ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ in Historic Guyana Visit
PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Guyana
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the final leg of his three-nation tour with a historic visit to Guyana, marking the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. Upon arrival, he received a rousing welcome from Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips, and over a dozen cabinet ministers at the airport, reflecting the strong bond between India and Guyana.
A Special Honor: ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’
In a remarkable gesture of goodwill, PM Modi was presented with the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ by the Mayor of Georgetown. Expressing gratitude, Modi shared his thoughts on social media:
“The welcome in Guyana will remain etched in my memory. I am humbled to receive the ‘Key to the City of Georgetown’ and look forward to deepening ties with CARICOM across diverse sectors.”
This recognition underscores the growing partnership between India and the Caribbean region.
Strengthening Ties with CARICOM
PM Modi co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit alongside Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell and Guyana’s President Ali. The summit emphasized enhancing cooperation in trade, climate resilience, and cultural exchanges. Modi also engaged with CARICOM leaders, including Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the Caribbean Community.
Honored with Guyana’s Highest National Award
Later in the day, PM Modi will receive Guyana’s highest national honor, the ‘Order of Excellence’, in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Guyana relations.
President Ali expressed confidence in the visit’s potential to bolster bilateral ties, adding:
“This visit is a testament to our enduring partnership and the deep cultural bonds that unite our nations.”
Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit
- Address to Guyana’s National Assembly: Modi will deliver a speech at the Parliament, focusing on shared heritage and future cooperation.
- Floral Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi: He will pay respects at the Gandhi statue in Georgetown’s Promenade Garden, commemorating the enduring legacy of peace and unity.
- Visit to the Indian Arrival Monument: A homage to the indentured Indian laborers who arrived in British Guiana in 1838.
A Relationship Rooted in Shared History
PM Modi’s visit reaffirms the historical and cultural ties between India and Guyana. The Guyanese President’s earlier visit to India as the Chief Guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas further solidified this relationship, marking a shared vision of unity and progress.
Looking Ahead
As PM Modi engages with the Indian diaspora and Guyanese leadership, his visit is expected to pave the way for strategic collaborations in areas such as energy, agriculture, and trade. With multiple agreements and MoUs in the pipeline, the visit symbolizes a new chapter in India-Guyana relations.