New UK High Commissioner committed to deepening bilateral partnership with Guyana

The United Kingdom’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher, has signalled a strong intent to advance bilateral relations, stating that he is “committed to further strengthening the modern partnership between the United Kingdom and Guyana”.

Fisher made the remarks shortly after arriving in Georgetown, where he has already begun official engagements. “I’m delighted to be here in Georgetown,” he said, while expressing gratitude to those he encountered “over these first few days for their warm welcome to this beautiful country.”
The British envoy confirmed that he has presented his credentials to President Irfaan Ali and is eager to begin active work in the post. “Now it’s time to hit the ground running,” he noted, indicating that he has already started interacting with stakeholders connected to UK-supported initiatives.
As part of his early engagements, Fisher disclosed that he has been “meeting UK companies delivering key infrastructure projects in partnership with the Government of Guyana and supported by UK Export Finance”, pointing to ongoing collaboration in national development projects. These engagements, he suggested, are part of broader efforts to expand economic cooperation and investment ties between the two countries.
Beyond official meetings, the newly accredited High Commissioner has also begun acquainting himself with Guyana’s environment and culture and spoke of a visit along the Mahaica River, where he observed the country’s rich ecosystem.
«I›ve also had my first glimpse of Guyana›s extraordinary biodiversity… where I had my first encounter with Guyana›s national bird,» he said. Fisher also highlighted his early exposure to local cuisine, noting that he has sampled traditional dishes and beverages, including «fish choka, beef soup, Boulange, and mauby juice”, and expressed enthusiasm about continuing to explore the country in the coming weeks.
He succeeds Jane Miller, who previously served as the UK’s top diplomatic representative in Georgetown. Guyana and the UK established diplomatic relations in 1966 following Guyana’s independence, and their partnership has since expanded across several areas, including trade, security, governance, and sustainable development.
Fisher assumed the office of British High Commissioner in April 2026. In addition to his role in Guyana, he also serves as non-resident ambassador-designate to Suriname and ambassador-designate to the Caribbean Community, reflecting a wider regional diplomatic portfolio.
Prior to his appointment, Fisher served at 10 Downing Street as Private Secretary to the National Security Adviser from 2024 to 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, he held the position of Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary and earlier worked within the Cabinet Office National Security Secretariat from 2020 to 2022.
His diplomatic career also includes several international postings under the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, including roles in the Europe Directorate in London, at the British Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar, and with the NATO Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Outside of Government service, Fisher worked as an international development liaison officer in the office of Aung San Suu Kyi between 2014 and 2017. He later served as policy director at the conflict resolution organisation Inter Mediate, where he was involved in peacebuilding and mediation initiatives.
Fisher holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from the University of Cambridge. He later attended Harvard University as a Herchel Smith Fellow and held an honorary research fellowship at Imperial College London. He is also a graduate of the UK Defence Academy’s Higher Command and Staff Course.