As ExxonMobil nears the realisation of commercial production of petroleum in the shores outside of Guyana, the United States is paying rapt attention to the Russian troops in Venezuela since such army presence could ultimately boost the military prowess of the Spanish speaking nation, says recently appointed US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.
She was at the time being interviewed by radio announcer and journalist, Gordon Moseley, on the Hits and Jams 94.1 Boom FM.
The envoy said, “We are paying attention to those sorts of issues and we think it is time for [Venezuela’s President, Nicolás] Maduro to step aside. We as a US Government have recognised interim President Juan Guiado as the leader of Venezuela and we are really looking forward to working with the National Assembly closely and with the people of Venezuela to have elections set early and have the needs of the people met.”
The official also addressed the perception by some that the intentions of the USA to “help” Venezuela during such troubling political and economic times are not genuine.
The Ambassador said, “Venezuela, Guyana, Columbia, Trinidad and Tobago, they are all part of our neighbourhood. We are in the same hemisphere and the US is concerned about security and stability in this hemisphere. That is why we are very concerned about what we see in Venezuela.”
Lynch further stated that the troubles facing Venezuela are not confined to its borders but have metamorphosed into a regional issue. She said that the US is helping at a very high level where this matter is concerned.
“We have been assisting in ensuring that Venezuelans get the food, shelter, and healthcare they need. In Guyana, we are seeing more Venezuelans are coming…It is something to watch carefully. We are contributing in Guyana specifically through UNICEF and the International Organization on Migration,” the US Ambassador said.
Should the situation continue to worsen, and the Government of Guyana wants to get into deeper conversations about the way forward, the US Ambassador said she would be more than happy to explore the opportunities available to both parties.
