President David Granger this morning accepted Letters of Credence from the newly appointed U.S Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Present at the event were Terry Steers-Gonzalez, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, and Audrey Jardine-Waddell, Ambassador and Director General (ag) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his brief address, President Granger congratulated the envoy on her appointment. He noted that Guyana and the United States of America have enjoyed cordial relations for more than five decades.
The Head of State said, “Our relations have cemented cooperation in the fields of commerce, defence, the economy, energy, public health, public security, and youth empowerment. Our relations are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.”
Granger said that while both countries share the values of respect for the rule of law and civil rights, Guyana will remain committed to ensuring that the Caribbean and the South American continent remain a zone of peace.
He said, “Peace in our region could be endangered by transnational threats such as trafficking in people, weapons and narcotics; money laundering; illegal migration; environmental hazards and territorial aggressions. Guyana is a small state. It is resolved, however, to defend its territory, dismantle transnational criminal networks and develop its natural resources for the benefit of its people.”
The President continued, “The capabilities of the criminal cartels could exceed those of small states such as Guyana. We must seek support, through partnerships with other states which have an interest in preserving the Caribbean and the South American Continent as a zone of peace. Guyana looks forward to the support of friendly states in its legitimate quest to protect itself against threats to its people, its economy and its territorial integrity and sovereignty.”
Granger added, “The preservation of regional peace and stability is vital to protecting our common interests. We welcome investment from foreign firms and will work towards ensuring a safe, stable and secure environment for investors. Guyana, in this regard, is moving towards the establishment of a ‘green state’ within the Guiana Shield of the South American continent.”
Granger said that the ‘green state’ would emphasise the protection of the environment, the preservation of the nation’s biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adaption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.
On this note, Granger wished the US Ambassador a successful tour of duty to Guyana.
He concluded, “It is our expectation that your tenure will enhance relations between our two states. I assure you of the support of my administration in the discharge of your duties.”
