New Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman presented his credentials to President Irfaan Ali on Monday at the Office of the President (OTP).
The Canadian dignitary worked as the Director-General for Global Affairs Canada and will now also function as Canada’s representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
President Ali accepted his Letter of Credence and reiterated his appreciation for Canada’s unwavering stance in support of Guyana’s democracy, borders and its overall development.
Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties on May 26, 1966, the date of Guyana’s Independence.
The President told the new High Commissioner that the countries share respect for democracy, human rights, the rule of law, the promotion of sustainable development and each other’s territorial integrity, all of which make them strong allies.
He added that Guyana and Canada are poised to forge an enduring partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
High Commissioner Berman replaces Lilian Chatterjee, who has been appointed as the new High Commissioner for Barbados, as the Resident High Commissioner..
Chatterjee was appointed as High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana and Suriname in 2017 when she replaced High Commissioner Pierre Giroux.
She was previously Director-General for the Canadian Partnership Branch, Communications Branch and Strategic Policy and Performance Branch where she organized Canada’s 2010 G8 Development Ministers’ Meeting, which led to the Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
