President Ali of Guyana keynotes four Caribbean Council events during first official visit to UK

HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, and a high-level delegation were in London this week (26 to 28 April) for a three-day visit. On his first day, Tuesday, the President led a Tourism Roundtable coordinated by The Caribbean Council and Wilderness Explorers and sponsored by the Guyana Tourism Authority. During this Roundtable, the President — who was joined by Hon Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and Dr Peter Ramsaroop, CIO and CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment — shared “transformative opportunities” in the ecotourism space with major airlines (including Virgin Atlantic, a Caribbean Council member), hoteliers, and prominent investors. The Roundtable was followed by an Investors Lunch, attendees of which included several delegates from The Caribbean Council’s Trade Mission to Guyana that took place this past February. After the Lunch, the President keynoted the Guyana Investment Seminar and fielded questions from the audience, which consisted of over 100 investors. During the President’s wide-ranging exchange with the audience, he delineated his vision for sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, education, and healthcare. This Seminar was coordinated by The Caribbean Council and sponsored by interCaribbean Airways (Headline Sponsor) and Dar Group (Silver Sponsor). 

On the second day of the President’s visit, Wednesday, he met with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the House of Commons. During this meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the “close and enduring friendship” between their two nations. The Prime Minister also congratulated the President on Guyana’s “world-leading forestry management.” The pair discussed efforts to boost trade and investment, cooperation on climate change, and regional security coordination as well. Later that evening, the President — joined again by Minister Walrond and Dr Ramsaroop — keynoted The Caribbean Council’s Annual Reception at the House of Lords sponsored by GTT (Gold Sponsor) and Dar Group (Silver Sponsor). The President’s address was followed by a speech from Vicky Ford MP, Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Reception was attended by nearly 200 guests, including MPs, Peers, the Caribbean and Central American diplomatic corps, and members of The Caribbean Council. 

Before the President returned to Georgetown on Thursday, he met with HRH Charles, Prince of Wales, at Clarence House. The President’s visit has included several events for the Guyanese diaspora in the UK. “Meaningful engagement” with the Guyanese diaspora has been a running theme across all the President’s remarks. 

Special Thanks to our Sponsors