Guyana/US bilateral relations will continue under Trump Administration – Granger

Hours after stunning the world by heavily defeating his favoured rival – Democrat Hillary Clinton – in Tuesday’s presidential election, President David Granger on Wednesday extended congratulations to the new President-elect of the United States of America Donald Trump, stating that Guyana is looking forward to continued bilateral relations with the North American nation.

Commenting on Trump’s victory, which makes him the 45th US President, the Guyanese Head of State told reporters from his official residence that America is a democratic country and he believes that the presidential election was conducted in a transparent manner.

“I think there is no country in the world that is not aware over the last six months about what was taking place, even some Guyanese had to vote (in the US elections). They were fully aware of the programmes of the two major presidential candidates but it’s a democratic outcome, we respect American democracy, and on behalf of the Government of Guyana I’d like to extend congratulations to the incoming President, Donald Trump,” President Granger stated.

Going forward, the Head of State noted that Guyana will continue its cordial relations with the United States following President Trump’s inauguration in January. “I’ve already met with a senior official of the Department of State so we do not expect that there will be any significant alterations in the cordial relations we have enjoyed with the United States,” the President noted.

Moreover, President Granger said he is looking forward to collaborating with the Trump Administration, particularly in the area of security with the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a brainchild of President Barrack Obama.

“We look forward to work with the Trump Administration because we are concerned with the security of the hemisphere and we are very confident that the American’s concerns about the security of the hemisphere will not diminished,” posited the Guyanese Leader.

The 70-year-old Trump won the US presidential election early Wednesday in a stunning victory that sent shockwaves around the world. The Republican nominee defied pre-election polling to claim swing states, winning the key battlegrounds of Florida, Ohio and North Carolina.

Trump won some 26 of the 52 states while Clinton only secured wins in 18. Out of the 538 electoral votes, Trump got 290 of them and Clinton 228.

In his victory speech early Wednesday morning, Trump was gracious towards Clinton, while pledging to citizens that he will be a President for all Americans.

“Now it is time for America to bind the wounds of division, have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and Independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It is time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be President for all of Americans, and this is so important to me,” he said in his first address after the results were announced.

Trump, a real estate billionaire and former reality TV-star, will be the first President to enter the White House with no political, diplomatic or military executive experience.

Clinton, on the other hand, in her concession speech later that day, said she offered to work with Trump on behalf of the country.

The Democratic nominee pointed out that the Constitution requires a peaceful transfer of power, as she urged Americans to be open minded and give the new President-elect a chance to lead the country.

“Last night (Tuesday), I congratulated Donald Trump and offered to work with him on behalf of our country. I hope that he will be a successful President for all Americans… Donald Trump is going to be our President. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead,” she stated.

She also admitted how painful her defeat was, saying she is sorry to her supporters and campaign workers for not bring home a victory.

“This is not the outcome that we wanted and we worked so hard for, and I am sorry that we did not win this election,” Clinton said of her second attempt for the White House.

Meanwhile, outgoing President Barack Obama has congratulated Trump personally and told Americans during a press briefing on the lawns of the White House that they should root for Trump’s success, as he assured a “smooth transition” of powers to his successor.

“It is no secret that the President-elect and I have some pretty significant differences… We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” he noted. Moreover, Trump has been invited to a meeting at the White House today with President Obama to discuss the transition.