US can count on Guyana’s support in fight against terrorism - President Jagdeo


Guyana Chronicle
September 16, 2001



PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has instructed that all flags at public places and buildings be flown at half-staff on Monday as an act of solidarity with and sympathy to the American people following what he described as “some senseless acts of terrorism in which many innocent people have lost their lives”.

“As peace loving people here in Guyana and from other peace loving people around the world, we all have a duty to condemn these acts of terrorism and we have to do so aggressively,” President Jagdeo said.

“I want to say to the US Government that like many other countries around the world, they can count on our support in the fight against international terrorism,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

He said so Friday while addressing the commissioning ceremony of the new flagship of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), a converted British mines-sweeper renamed the `GDFS Essequibo’.

“I have been on record a million times saying that there is no problem in this world that cannot be solve through dialogue so I want to say publicly that they can count on our support in this fight,” he added.

The President said that an inter-faith service would be held tomorrow. The service is to be held at the Brickdam Cathedral at 18:30 hrs.

“I hope that we can - all Guyanese - in some way participate in these services to show or express our feelings and hopefully our solidarity with the innocent people who have suffered because in our times of need too, many of those people have stood by our side…,” President Jagdeo said.

President Jagdeo was among the many world leaders who have publicly expressed sorrow and deep regret to President George W. Bush and the people of the United States, following Tuesday’s terrorist attack.

The President despatched a missive to President Bush shortly after the horrendous attack. His message read: “The Government and people of Guyana are horrified by the reported destruction of major buildings in New York City and elsewhere. We deeply regret these senseless acts of terrorism and hope that public safety will be rapidly restored.

“I convey to you and all Americans, on behalf of my Government and people, our sympathy and solidarity in this tragic hour. More particularly, we extend our sincere concern and condolence to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives as a result of this deplorable disaster.”