Outgoing Honorary Consul to Sweden receives country’s second highest national award

[www.inewsguyana.com] – The continuation of what was described as a strong bilateral relationship was emphasised, when Guyana’s new Honorary Swedish Consul, Banks DIH Executive Shabbir Hussain was formally presented with his instrument.

He replaces Banks DIH’s Chairman, Clifford Reis, who in recognition of his exemplary service to both countries, was presented with Sweden’s second highest national award and title, “Commander of the Polar Star”.

Prime Minister Hinds expressed his strong appreciation, on government’s behalf for the assistance that has been received from the Nordic country, especially in the areas of maritime training.

Swedish Ambassador Claes Hammar in brief remarks, lauded Hussain’s distinguished career and “his strong dedication to the youth in Guyana”.

He said, “I was very impressed to hear about that when I was here in April. Mr. Hussain has done a lot to help young people here to move away from activities that they should not be involved in, and into things like music and culture and such things. I think that says a lot about his dedication to his country and its people.”

 

Hussain thanked the governments of Sweden and Guyana for accepting his nomination to the post.

“At this stage, I pledge to do all in my capacity to provide the best possible service in order to benefit, both my country Guyana and Sweden, and also to work closely with other honorary consuls who are representing their countries in Guyana. It will be the greatest privilege to discharge my duties with excellence” by executing all that is required of me, and with a passion for success, and to deliver all that is necessary.” In brief remarks, Reis said that service and role as honorary consul broadened his horizons from his initial expectations and “made me see the job of honorary consul in new and different ways. This is certainly a most rewarding, enlightening experience and for this I am grateful and appreciative to the Swedish government and all who have made this possible”.

Sweden has been instrumental in aiding Guyana and other Caricom member states in the areas which include scholarships, surveillance applications, solar energy, and environmental monitoring, climate change, the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (UNATT), and the Post 2015 Development Agenda.

[Extracted and modified from GINA]