By Ray Chickrie
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana will soon become the first country in South America and the Caribbean that Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will add to his investment portfolio. The Emirati Sheikh, a cousin of the Sheikh of Dubai, has investments in Africa and South Asia.
The visiting delegation arrived on a private jet and was welcomed by minister of foriegn affairs Hugh Todd, minister of tourism, Oneidge Walrond and minister public works, Deodat Indar and other officials upon their arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport according to Guyana Department of Public Information (DPI).
On Thursday, the Emirati Sheikh and his eight-member delegation met with president Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet.
Over the three days, Dalmook AL Maktoum and his delegation were appraised of areas of investments including, agriculture, infrastructure, housing, aviation and tourism appealed to the Emirati investor. The oil and gas sector took center stage.
Sheikh Dalmook Al Maktoum investment portfolio includes a wide range of areas such as aviation and transportation, health-care, education, energy, housing, agriculture and infrastructure. Most of his investments are in Angola, the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Kenya, Senegal, Mozambique, South Africa, and in Asia.
On Friday, Sheikh Dalmook al Maktoum and president Ali joined the community for “Jummah (Friday)” prayers. The Sheikh addressed the gathering and said, “Guyana is welcoming to all people and the vision of the government of Guyana is excellent.”
He added, “The government is looking to develop Guyana and its people and welcoming every nation to invest and want the people of Guyana to benefit from these investments coming. Guyana’s development is going in the right path.”
In response, Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali said,” I am pleased to welcome his highness and his team to Guyana and there will be many more of these visits.”
The Emirati Sheikh concluded the three-day official state visit to Guyana on Saturday. When president Ali makes his upcoming visit to the Gulf, he is expected to sign major deals with the UAE.
Meanwhile, a high-level delegation from Qatar is expected to visit Guyana, as well as the appointment of an ambassador to Kuwait who will be accredited to Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
