Stadium symbol of strong bonds of friendship between Guyana and India
- Indian Vice-president declares at dedication ceremony of Providence Stadium
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroeknews
November 10, 2006
President Bharrat Jagdeo and India's Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat yesterday unveiled the plaque at the Providence Stadium, following a dedication ceremony which was attended by ministers of the Guyana government, Joint Service heads and opposition leader Robert Corbin, among others.
Vice-President Shekhawat in a short address noted that the construction of the stadium by Indian contracting company Shapoorji Pallonji, with funding from the government of India, symbolizes the strong bonds of friendship between Guyana and India.
"It is not just a magnificent spectre of bricks and mortar; it symbolizes and visibly demonstrates the strong bonds of this friendship between the people of the two countries."
He said the occasion is an important milestone in the growing cooperation and existing partnership between Guyana and India and the stadium is an example of South-South cooperation.
"I compliment the government of Guyana for their support in all the stages of the construction. President (Bharrat) Jagdeo paid personal attention to ensure the success of the project," Vice-President Shekhawat stated.
He said the peoples of Guyana and India will be even more happy if the West Indies and India reach the final of Cricket World Cup 2007.
President Jagdeo in his feature address extended his personal gratitude and the gratitude of the Guyanese people to the Government and people of India as well as the Indian construction company and the many Guyanese and Indian workers in the labour force. "Everyone will agree I'm sure, that it is a work of art and truly a wonder to behold. I want to offer my sincere appreciation and thanks of the government and people of Guyana to all those who are involved in the construction of the stadium. Our special gratitude is due to the Government and people of India represented here today by his Excellency Bhairon Singh Shekhawat."
Guyana's Head of State said that the stadium represented a major landmark in the continued progress of the friendly and cooperative relations which has traditionally existed between Guyana and India. He said the labour force and other personnel applied themselves to the monumental task entrusted to them with a sense of urgency and determination to finish the stadium by the set date "and certainly in good time for Cricket World Cup 2007. We owe them all our profound gratitude and congratulate them on a job well done.
"There can be no more splendid symbol of the friendship and cooperation which have long existed between Guyana and India than this edifice. Ever since our two countries established diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966, our two countries and peoples have drawn closer to each other to form a steadfast partnership based on shared values and aspirations."
He said by contributing to the construction of the stadium, India has given a significant boost to one of the new growth areas that Guyana is working to develop, tourism. "There is a tremendous large scale process undergoing in Guyana today to train a number of people in the hospitality sector and in the services industry in preparation for hosting World Cup. In addition to that, there are a number of new hotels that are being built because of this stadium and because of hosting World Cup Cricket, and this would give a tremendous boost to the tourism sector."
Jagdeo said further that the stadium would not only provide a major boost to the country's economy through travel, tourism and top class sporting events, but it would also inspire the youths to prepare for competition in a variety of games, both here and abroad.
The president said the decision of the government of Guyana to proceed with the construction of the stadium, reflects Government's conviction that it is in the best interest of the Guyanese people. "Sports, whether it be cricket, football, basketball or any other popular past time, instill in participants the important human values of discipline, fair play and the search for excellence."
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, who is also Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for CWC 2007, in a brief address, said history would record for posterity the generous contributions that India has made to the construction of the Providence stadium.
He said the true significance of this contribution could only be appreciated and recognized by those who understand the social and political importance of cricket in Guyana.
"Cricket is our heart and soul, it is a Guyanese and West Indian religion with devotees across age, gender, religious and racial divide, and it is the golden trend that has knitted our society together both locally and regionally," Dr. Anthony said.
He also thanked the construction firm and workers for making the stadium a reality.
The Minister of Sport also noted that the stadium could be a place where Guyanese could forget their differences.