India a solid partner in Guyana’s development

HIGH Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa in delivering opening remarks at a virtual symposium titled, “India-Guyana Relations from 1838 to 2021” on Thursday last boasted of longstanding cooperation enjoyed by the two countries and enticed the audience with future projects to be rolled out.

India will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of independence on August 12, 2022 and in anticipation of the monumental and historic occasion, the Government of India is organising a number of events worldwide.

As part of these celebrations and on the occasion of Indian Arrival Day, the High Commission of India in Guyana in association with the University of Guyana organised the virtual symposium which was held on Thursday last.

His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali was today presented with a portrait from Guyanese artist, Mr Compton Babb Jr.
The well-known artist explained that the piece was the first from his ‘Black and Gold’ collection and is a representation of his optimism of President Ali’s tenure in office.
“The first portrait within my black and gold collection is that of our current president The Honorable Dr Irfaan Ali…It is my wish that his presidency leads our rising nation into a period of greatness.”
Babb Jr said that the collection is new and different from the generically coloured paintings.
“As Guyana prepares to celebrate 55 years of Independence I am proud to debut my black and gold portrait collection. This new idea reflects the riches and future potential of our nation.”
He noted that there is significance in each stroke and that the two colours are emblematic.
“The gold colour signifies our rich mineral wealth - the bauxite, the diamond, the manganese and of course the gold. Our nation is truly El Dorado. Yet the gold speaks to the wealth of knowledge and the pursuit of greatness and excellence that is observed in Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. The colour black underscores the rich oil reserves but also emphasises the strength, resilience and resolve of the Guyanese people.”
The 25X30 inch painting took approximately two months to complete.