The United States (US) is committed to continuing its role as partner to Guyana in the areas of governance, the Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch. The diplomat made this remark, during a reception held to celebrate the US’s 243rd Declaration of Independence anniversary at her residence.
The envoy said that as Guyana embarks on a new journey, which provides many opportunities for the country, the United States continues to be determined partner in its development.
“We continue to collaborate with Guyana in preparation for this new day; partnering on the security front to make Guyana safer and more secure; partnering on the governance front to improve transparency and accountability and to reduce corruption; partnering on the development front to enhance access to quality healthcare; and increase educational and job opportunities and partnership on the economic front to increase trade and US investments in Guyana. Our partnership will continue to thrive and be successful with strong US and Guyanese leadership,” she said.
The US Ambassador also urged all the country’s leaders, members of the Opposition, civil society, and youth to work together to ensure that Guyana is positioned for success.
The event was attended by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; former Presidents Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Samuel Hinds; Ministers of the Government; and members of the diplomatic corps.
President David Granger, during his remarks, said Guyana looks forward to continued cooperation with the US even as he noted that the two countries have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in August 1966.
“Our countries have cultivated a strong, stable, and sound relationship over the past 53 years. Guyanese are bound by history, kinship, and friendship to the USA, the largest economy and the third-largest country in the world. Guyana and the USA have founded their friendship on the principles of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties, and the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.
The President noted that the US continues to be one of Guyana’s most significant trade and investment partners. He said that Guyana appreciates the cooperation programmes, which have contributed to the country’s national development and social change.
“Initiatives such as the Maternal Child Survival Programme; the Strengthening of the Criminal Justice System; and numerous USAID, governance and security training programmes offered to our Defence and Police Forces. These all augment our human resource capacity and have been invaluable to Guyana’s development. Guyana continues to benefit from the US SOUTHCOM’s New Horizons series of projects which began in 2004. This project has contributed to Guyana’s public health and public education systems through the building of clinics, community centres, schools, and the hosting of joint medical outreaches. All of these promote peace and stability and augment the development of the social infrastructure so necessary for improving citizens’ quality of life,” President Granger said.
Further, the Head of State said that the US has sustained cooperation in health, education, and the environment with the current cohort of thirty-three Peace Corps volunteers assisting the Ministries of Public Health, Education, and the Department of the Environment in improving primary literacy, supporting adolescents in youth-friendly spaces, and raising awareness of domestic and environmental issues.
“Guyana benefits from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the global fight against the disease – an initiative guided by Millennium Development Goal of halting the spread, improving treatment and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS. Guyana – guided by its own Green State Development Strategy – is in a transition towards establishing a “green state”, one that will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity, the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation. Guyana looks forward to continued cooperation with the USA as we advance towards securing a better life for all our people in the western hemisphere and the Caribbean,” he noted.
