Georgetown, GINA, 25 February 04

His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, the Duke of York arrived in Guyana this morning to a warm welcome from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and flag-bearing school children on hand at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to greet the Royal visitor.
The Prince along with a six-member delegation, is on a tour of the Caribbean that included stops at St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, and Barbados, before coming to Guyana.
On his first official duty in Guyana, the Duke of York met with President Bharrat Jagdeo for a brief discussion.
Later in the day, the Prince received the symbolic key to the city from Mayor Hamilton Green.
In his address at the Civic reception, held in honour of Prince Andrew’s visit, Mayor Green recalled the role played by the British in the development of Guyana.
The Mayor linked Guyana’s colonial past and observed that now Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent.
In earlier introductions, Town Clerk Beulah Williams made reference to the City Hall, which is a landmark building from early colonial times.
The Mayor, in his remarks also recalled the significance of City Hall as a British legacy, which still graces the city of Georgetown. He requested that HRH the Duke of York use his influence in the British Administration to seek assistance for the restoration of the building.
A golden key, significant of Guyana’s openness, was presented to the Duke.
In response, a quite jovial Prince Andrew said it was an honour to receive the key and promised to respect its significance.
He also noted the request of the Mayor and promised that the message will be relayed to the British Government.
On a more serious note, Prince Andrew said he is keen to further Commonwealth trade and discuss issues that affect countries such as Guyana.
He thanked the Government, City officials and the people of Guyana for the warm welcome he received. Guyana is a hospitable nation with huge potential the Duke noted in his closing remarks.
While at City Hall the Duke of York also signed the visitors book.
Born on 19, February 1960, Prince Andrew, the second son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has never before set foot on this former British colony.
During the Falklands War in 1982, His Royal Highness served as a helicopter pilot before retiring from the Royal Navy with the rank of Commander in 2001.
After leaving the Royal Navy, the Duke of York took up a new Role as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.
When he leaves Guyana on Thursday, the Duke is scheduled to visit Trinidad and Tobago.