59th Independence Anniversary: US reaffirms strong partnership with Guyana

…as UK reaffirms support for territorial integrity in Venezuela border controversy

The United States (US) has extended congratulations to the people of Guyana on the occasion of the country’s 59th Independence anniversary. The message via an official statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirmed America’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Guyana.

“On behalf of the Government of the United States, I extend warm congratulations to the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on your 59th Independence Day,” Secretary Rubio stated. “The United States reaffirms its steadfast commitment to our partnership with Guyana, grounded in shared democratic values and a mutual dedication to regional security and prosperity.”
Rubio highlighted the ongoing economic transformation in Guyana under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. He underscored the importance of transparent governance and adherence to the rule of law as central to ensuring that all citizens benefit from the country’s development.
“The United States remains committed to advancing cooperation with Guyana in combating transnational crime, promoting energy and economic security, and encouraging responsible private sector investment,” Rubio added. “On this important day, we send our sincere wishes for continued peace, democratic progress, and prosperity for all Guyanese people.”

UK-Guyana ties
Meanwhile, King Charles III of the United Kingdom (UK) has expressed congratulations to Guyana, also expressing the importance of the continued growth of UK/Guyana ties. In his message of congratulations, King Charles referenced the success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which has seen Guyana leverage its standing forests to earn money such as through the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
In 2022, Guyana signed a historic, multi-year US$750 million agreement with Hess Corporation for the purchase of 37.5 million carbon credits. Guyana was also the first country to conclude the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) process of certifying its forest carbon.
“I reflect on and value greatly, the strong and growing ties that are shared between our countries across a range of areas including trade, defence and nature. I feel sure that our Commonwealth of nations, of which I am so proud to be a part, will continue to draw on its remarkable diversity and inspirational young people to rise to the opportunities of our time and defend our shared democratic values.”
“I am delighted to hear of the success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy in Guyana and particularly look forward to seeing how advances in sustainable urban development can be implemented in the coming years,” the royal said in his statement.
He also said that in the face of increasing global threats and uncertainty, the important connections across the Commonwealth are even more precious now than ever. And the King also noted the importance of nurturing these connections for the benefit of Commonwealth citizens.
“My wife and I have great pleasure in sending you and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana our heartfelt congratulations on the auspicious occasion of your national day… my wife and I extend our warmest good wishes to you and to the people of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana for the year ahead,” King Charles added.

UK support on border
The UK also reiterated its support behind Guyana on the Venezuela border controversy, in the wake of the fictious election for Governor that the Spanish speaking country had claimed it would hold for Guyana’s Essequibo region… an election that nevertheless did not occur on Guyana’s territory.
In a post on social media, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, who serves in the UK’s Labour Government as Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean, reaffirmed UK’s support of Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“The UK is working with partners to achieve a peaceful solution in Venezuela, respecting the will of all Venezuelans. We are deeply concerned by reports of repression and arbitrary detentions, and reaffirm our support for Guyana’s internationally recognised territorial integrity,” she said.
Earlier this month, the World Court ordered that pending a final decision in the case, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela must refrain from conducting elections or preparing to conduct elections in the disputed territory, which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana currently administers and over which it exercises control.
Back in December 2023, Guyana had approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after Venezuela’s threat to seize and annex Guyana’s Essequibo region. In response, the ICJ had ordered Venezuela to refrain from any actions to disturb Guyana’s administration and control of that territory pending the conclusion of the case. After years of failed good offices process through the United Nations (UN) and based on the recommendation of the then UN Secretary General, Guyana approached the ICJ in March 2018, seeking a final and binding settlement of the 1899 Arbitral Award.
As the matter continues to engage the world court the two neighbours signed an Argyle Declaration in December 2023.
However, despite the Argyle Declaration there was an incursion into Guyana’s waters on March 1, 2025 by a Venezuelan naval vessel which threatened several oil vessels operating there – something which was widely condemned by the international community.