President Ali receives Order of Merit for advancing trade with Roraima

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has been awarded Roraima’s highest honour, the Order of Merit Fort São Joaquim, in recognition of his leadership in strengthening economic ties between Guyana and the northern Brazilian state.
Ali received the accolade from Governor Antonio Denarium on Monday in Boa Vista, Roraima’s capital. The award has been given to only 20 individuals for significant contributions to Brazil.

“This relationship has been growing from strength to strength… we are now looking to remove all the bureaucracies, all the bottlenecks to create a seamless relationship, expand trade and continue the wonderful relationship,” Ali said in a video posted by the governor.

Also attending the ceremony were Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and members of the business community.
Over the past five years, Ali has led high-level bilateral discussions with Brazil. In 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Georgetown, where talks focused on regional integration, infrastructure, and energy.

Roraima borders Guyana’s Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and has emerged as the country’s largest trading partner, supported by government-led investments in recent years.
Ali reaffirmed his commitment to deepening bilateral relations, particularly through engagement with Roraima, as part of efforts to expand trade and regional cooperation.