President Ali Urges Vigilance in Defending Sovereignty at Canada Day Celebration
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
Speaking at a Canada Day reception hosted by the Canadian High Commission on Tuesday evening, President Irfaan Ali emphasized that while diversity must be celebrated, equal vigilance is required in defending national sovereignty.
“Diversity can only thrive when the state is secure,” the President said, adding that Guyana’s borders, democracy, and freedom must always be protected.
President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s belief that the Caribbean and the broader Western Hemisphere must remain a zone of peace, even as two-thirds of Guyana’s national territory continues to be threatened by a neighboring state—an apparent reference to Venezuela’s ongoing claim to the Essequibo region.
“Just as Canada will stoutly resist any attempt to diminish its territorial integrity, so too will Guyana,” he declared.
The Head of State also praised Canada’s longstanding partnership with Guyana and the wider Caribbean, noting robust cooperation in trade, investment, and regional development. He welcomed the extension of the Caribbean trade agreement to 2033, calling it a move that provides greater predictability and deepens economic ties.
President Ali highlighted a recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which he said will strengthen Guyana’s procurement systems. He also invited Canadian investors to explore opportunities in:
- Agriculture
- Infrastructure
- Public Housing
- Ecotourism
- Climate-smart agriculture
Looking forward, the President said that sustained bilateral and multilateral engagement can help both countries tackle shared challenges, including climate change, inequality, economic shocks, and evolving security threats.
Also speaking at the event was Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Sébastien Sigouin, who shared that Canada’s recent national elections resulted in a peaceful democratic transition.
With Guyana’s elections set for September 1, the High Commissioner said Canada will collaborate with:
- The Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities
- The Organization of American States (OAS)
- The Carter Center
The aim, he said, is to ensure that the upcoming polls are accessible, transparent, and fair.
“A strong democracy makes for a strong nation,” Sigouin concluded.
