As we celebrate 50 years of Diplomatic Relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the people of Guyana have been the beneficiaries of that relationship, which began in late June 1972 and in spite of our rapidly changing and confused world, the Guyana-China friendship has stood the test of time.

In 1972, Guyana was part of the fury of an all-consuming Cold War and when the proposal to establish Diplomatic Relations with the People’s Republic of China was made, many Cabinet members expressed some concerns and felt that it would be unwise for Guyana to be the first in the Caribbean to embrace the PRC.

I am glad that the late Dr. Ptolemy Reid, President

Forbes Burnham and my good self ignored what you believe to be the pusillanimous approach by many of our colleagues and advanced the process and today I am the only person alive and proudly so, who supported the move to embrace the PRC.

I look forward to young Guyanese understanding the history of the world to appreciate the strength and stamina of the Chinese who emerged from the imperial domination of the Second World War and today as we noted at the recent G7 Meeting that the superpowers must now accept the promise and progress of China.

A Happy and Prosperous 50th Anniversary.

Yours faithfully, Hamilton Green Elder