The Guyana government is to bestow an award on outgoing Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Fourth Regular Summit of UNASUR Heads to be held here later this month, administration spokesman Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday disclosed.
He told reporters at his weekly news briefing that Lula more than met the criteria to be so recognised with his consistent support for Guyana’s inclusion in the South American continent’s affairs. He singled out the Brazilian leader’s support for Guyana’s economic development and its pursuit of its “continental destiny.”
“We have absolutely no doubt in our minds that President Lula’s consistent support for economic integration and development particularly with regards to Guyana and specifically with interventions such as the (Takutu River) Bridge, such as the commitment for hydroelectric development, such as the (Linden to Lethem) corridor development, that he fulfills all of the major requirements by this administration for being so honoured,” Dr. Luncheon stated.
He announced that six of the 12 UNASUR presidents have committed to attend the November 23 – 26 summit with firebrand Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez among them. Peru’s president is to be represented by that country’s foreign minister. Dr. Luncheon said.
Meanwhile, he said he believed some $80M had been allocated to host the event. The opening ceremony will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, the cultural event at the National Cultural Centre and a state dinner at State House.
