– urges diplomatic dialogue to unlock opportunities for Cuban people

 The Guyanese Government stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, stating that it welcomes a sustainable solution to the economic and humanitarian challenges that the country faces.
This was the message conveyed in a statement from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry on Friday.
According to the letter, a resolution to the current situation must be based on the will of the Cuban people and founded on universal values, the rule of law, humanitarian law, transparency, and good governance.
“We encourage diplomatic dialogue that would promote stability and lead to the prosperity of the Cuban people and the creation of opportunities that optimise the full potential of the Cuban people in an economic environment that guarantees their freedom,” the document detailed.
This statement comes on the heels of a recent report by the New York Times on the migration of Cuban nationals to Guyana in search of betterment, fleeing economic and social hardships in their home country.
It also follows heightened pressure on Cuba’s communist regime by the United States. In a move described as a response to fears of a possible US invasion, Cuba has rolled out plans for widespread economic reforms, targeting opportunities for private enterprises and attracting foreign investments.
However, Guyana’s statement was also welcomed by the Latin America Guyana Chamber of Commerce (LAGCC), which sounded calls for a peaceful, sustainable, and people-centred resolution to the economic and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba.
The Chamber, which promotes trade, investment, and commercial cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, believes that long-term prosperity is based on economic openness, regional integration, entrepreneurship, and an environment that fosters private enterprise.
According to the private sector body, economic liberalisation, when coupled with the rule of law, transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, has invariably shown its ability to attract investment, spur innovation, expand productive sectors, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of citizens.
It further added that increased economic openness has allowed Latin American countries to enhance their competitiveness and diversify their economies, deepening their integration into regional and world markets.
“The Chamber believes that the Cuban people have great talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Expanding economic opportunity through market-orientated reforms, increased commercial engagement, and greater participation in international trade can unlock that potential and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” the Chamber stated in Friday’s missive.
It further shared the Guyanese Government’s emphasis on dialogue, universal values, and the hopes of the Cuban people, adding that constructive engagement and peaceful cooperation are the best ways to achieve sustainable economic development and regional stability.
To this end, the Chamber declared its support for ongoing efforts that promote economic liberalisation and private sector development; the creation of new businesses, entrepreneurship, and innovation; trade, investment, and commercial integration in the region; transparent, predictable, and rule-based economic institutions; and a growing economy that delivers opportunities and prosperity for all in a sustainable way.
“The Chamber is committed to strengthening commercial ties across the Americas and believes that increased economic cooperation, open markets, and deeper regional integration will continue to be powerful drivers of prosperity, resilience, and shared development throughout the hemisphere,” the missive detailed.
Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged the Guyanese private sector to prepare themselves to tap into possible opportunities with the opening of markets in Cuba.
Back in March, on the side-lines of the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, Florida, the Guyanese leader stated that the time has come for the status quo in Cuba to change in order to improve the lives of the people there and ensure they enjoy prosperity and democracy in the Caribbean island nation.
“We agree that there must be an attempt to change the status quo, and we all are aware that it will take time. It has to be incremental… There must be dialogue, but those changes must lead to the improvement of the people of Cuba, must lead to better conditions for the people of Cuba, and must lead to a society in which the rule of law, democracy, and freedom are celebrated.” President Ali told Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie on the side-lines of the summit.

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Well, there it was… Pressie turned up with his entire Cabinet at the US 250th Independence Anniversary bash at the new Four Points Sheraton off the Heroes Highway!! That’s near where Rubio had complained he’d gotten “concussions” from its Chinese shoddy workmanship!! From what your Eyewitness saw in the pics of the celebration, there wasn’t any (visible!) evidence of any guest being concussed to get there – so he figured the bumps must’ve since been straightened out!! But from the glasses of vino consumed in the customary clinking of glasses at these affairs, he wouldn’t swear the guests mightn’t have ended the night confabulated – if not concussed!!
Your Eyewitness – having just joined in our 60th anniversary bash – had to marvel at the 90-year head start the Yanks have on us in running their affairs!! Compared to them, we’re just a babe in swaddling clothes!! Hopefully that might excuse any missteps committed. In their 250 years the Yanks haven’t done too badly after kicking out Britain’s mad King George III, have they?!! Expanded domestically to span the entire lower half of the North American continent – and internationally, replaced Britain as the dominant power across the globe!!
It wasn’t too long after they’d declared independence from the Brits – 36 years as a matter of fact – that they declared war against them in 1812!! By 1823 they were confident enough to announce their “Monroe Doctrine” – warning Britain and all the other European nations with their “empires” to keep their grubby (and bloody) paws off the Western hemisphere!! By the end of the century, Venezuela invoked that doctrine to ask the US to bring Britain to the table to settle our western borders. The result was the 1899 Arbitral Award that gave us the “full and final” award that Venezuela’s now challenging!!
Well, Pressie took the opportunity to remind the Yanks that we’re a strategic ally of theirs and cited our role as a founding member of the “Shield of the Americas” as part of our commitment. His concluding statement invoked our wish to follow their development rise: “Our vision for the future is one in which the United States acts as a reliable partner who respects the distinct path that each sovereign nation must walk, and we have found that reliability, we have found that trust, and we have found that partnership.”
Pressie understands, of course, that the US has its own strategic interests – and will always act to further those interests. As such, he’s pragmatically accepting those interests while encouraging them to allow us a measure of flexibility to further OUR interests that might necessitate some necessary divergence!
Your Eyewitness joins with the rest of his compatriots in wishing the US a happy 250th anniversary!!

…Climate Change
They say, “who don’t hear gonna have to feel” before they learn some lessons!! For decades, the scientific community’s been warning – like Jeremiahs – about global warming being nigh upon us because we’re spewing all that carbon dioxide into the air that then causes temperatures to rise: global warming!! But there arose a movement in the US that dubbed such folks as so many wacko Chicken Littles simply creating unnecessary hysteria!!
As such, the advice to reduce carbon emissions – especially from fossil fuels like coal and heavy oils – was summarily rejected!! Well, in addition to Europe having a heatwave that’s caused mass rioting over getting air conditioners, the US is now enjoying theirs. At Thursday midnight, the temp in NYC was 94+ and electricity was turned off in several neighbourhoods because the demand was too high!!
Their Washington National Mall Saturday’s “Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks” event might have to be cancelled since temperatures gonna reach 107 degrees!!
So, is climate change now gonna be accepted?

…National Mausoleum
Your Eyewitness saw a complaint about rabid stray dogs attacking persons at Burnham’s mausoleum. Well, once asked to make a call against violence, Burnham replied, “Only those who own the dog can call off the dog!”

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Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh has urged the Guyana Under-19 squad to remain focused and disciplined as they prepare for the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-19 Championship.
Singh met with the squad on Sunday during their encampment, where he encouraged the players ahead of the regional tournament. The team is scheduled to depart Guyana on July 9.
During the visit, Singh interacted with the players and members of the management team. He commended the commitment shown by the squad during the preparation period and reminded the young cricketers of the honour and responsibility that comes with representing Guyana.

“It is always a proud moment to see young cricketers earning the opportunity to represent Guyana. You have worked hard to reach this stage, and I encourage each of you to remain committed to the process, play for one another and give your very best every time you step onto the field,” Singh said.
The GCB President also told the players to embrace the experience, noting that the championship provides an important platform for them to showcase their ability while continuing their development in the sport.
“Represent your country with pride, respect the game and enjoy the experience. The Guyana Cricket Board has every confidence in this team, and we wish you every success at the championship,” Singh added.
Singh closed by wishing the squad a safe journey and a successful campaign as they prepare to compete for regional honours.

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