In a significant development for Guyanese culture and Caribbean unity, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, during an official visit to the Dominican Republic has officially secured space for Guyana’s first permanent cultural exhibit at the iconic Columbus Lighthouse Museum. The achievement is being hailed as highlighting a new chapter in the relationship between Guyana and the Dominican Republic, underscoring a commitment to fostering deeper regional ties.
The exhibit, which will be housed in one of the Dominican Republic’s most renowned cultural institutions, represents a collaborative effort supported by the Office of the First Lady of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The initiative, driven by the Dominican Republic government and the Dominican Chamber of Commerce in Guyana, aims to leverage the country’s annual influx of over 10 million tourists to showcase Guyana’s rich heritage on an international stage.
During his visit, Prime Minister Phillips also attended a reception and luncheon hosted by Mr. Miguel Gonzalez, President of the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Guyana. The event, which included key representatives from both Guyanese and Dominican business communities, further cemented the economic and cultural partnership between the two nations.
Economic Ties
In addition to cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Phillips explored opportunities for economic collaboration. He toured the Isotex Dominicana Sas Factory, where he was briefed on innovative building solutions and techniques, as well as the BioFrio cold storage facility, which could play a pivotal role in supporting food security initiatives across the Caribbean.
Prime Minister Phillips’ visit coincided with the inauguration of Dominican Republic President, His Excellency Luis Abinader, where he engaged with regional leaders, including the President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and the Prime Minister of Curaçao, Gilmar Pisas.
Further advancing Guyana’s diplomatic reach, Prime Minister Phillips also held bilateral talks with the President of Paraguay, His Excellency Santiago Peña. The discussions, focused on areas of mutual interest, mark the continuation of diplomatic relations established between Guyana and Paraguay in 1994.
