Guyana's Speaker defends Belt and Road Initiative as a choice, not imposition

In a recent interview, Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly in Guyana, shared his reflections on Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech during the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China's National People's Congress's (NPC) affiliation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) , emphasizing the alignment between their visions. Nadir noted that President Xi's call for a common vision, applicable solutions, and the upliftment of all humanity resonated deeply with his own remarks made just days earlier. He highlighted the necessity of placing people at the center of global efforts, regardless of origin, and commended the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC for underscoring the importance of respecting cultural differences and various forms of democracy while advocating for peaceful coexistence.

Nadir further reflected on Guyana's longstanding relationship with China, particularly in the context of economic assistance. He praised China's approach, which has been supportive rather than directive, helping Guyana implement its solutions through the provision of resources. This cooperative relationship, he noted, has persisted across different governments in Guyana, demonstrating the deep and enduring ties between the two nations. Additionally, Nadir expressed gratitude for China's significant contributions to Guyana's healthcare sector, highlighting the decades-long presence of Chinese medical brigades providing advanced services to the Guyanese people.

Addressing criticisms of the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI), Nadir dismissed claims that it represents a new form of colonization in Africa and the Global South. He argued that participation in such initiatives is a choice, not an imposition, and that history teaches valuable lessons about the benefits of cooperation. Drawing parallels to the historical Silk Road, Nadir emphasized that initiatives like the BRI should be welcomed for their potential to benefit humanity. He concluded by reaffirming that Guyana and the Caribbean view their cooperation with China and other developing nations as a partnership that supports mutual growth and development.