“Proud of my partnership with Guyana” – US Ambassador bids farewell

…recounts assistance with election controversy, other achievements during tenure

Outgoing United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, who has represented her country as a diplomatic envoy for the last four and a half years, on Monday bid formal goodbye to Guyana in a farewell letter.
In her letter, the diplomat recounted her experiences with Guyana, from the role she played in helping to resolve the 2020 General and Regional Elections controversy when the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government stubbornly clung to power, to her efforts to promote greater trade between the two countries – efforts that played no small part in bilateral trade tripling to a whopping US$3.9 billion.

“Adventure, Friendship, Success – these are not only names of charming Guyanese villages, but also words that paint a picture of my experience in this beautiful land which I have called home for the past four and a half years,” the diplomat wrote.
“It has been a joint ADVENTURE with so many of you – colleagues, partners, and FRIENDS – to resolve an election, leverage Guyana’s newfound wealth to attract US strategic investments and facilitate inclusive economic development, and to advance shared security equities to improve regional security and put Guyana on the path to SUCCESS.”
According to Lynch, she and her Embassy team faced some of the most consequential challenges and managed to build their work around a guiding vision of helping Guyana address three core areas – governance, prosperity and security in Guyana and the Caribbean. Mention was also made of the historic visits of two Secretaries of State to Guyana – Mike Pompeo in 2020 and Anthony Blinken in 2023 – both under her tenure.
“Guided by our common values, including defending democracy, promoting the rule of law, and protecting human rights, the United States worked alongside the Guyanese people and key institutions to: improve transparency and accountability and modernize systems; triple our bilateral trade to a whopping $3.9 billion USD; help Guyana advance its Low Carbon Development Strategy; increase food security in the region; and, improve the capacity of law enforcement and defence institutions in a region that we share.”

“My team and I brought several high-level U.S. officials to Guyana including two secretaries of state, multiple assistant secretaries of state, two commanders from U.S. Southern Command, as well as many high-level congressional delegations to dialogue and partner with members of the government, the private sector and civil society on the critical issues facing this nation during its tremendous transformation,” the diplomat said.
In reflecting on all that has been accomplished, Lynch expressed pride with her work in Guyana and made it clear that Guyana’s future is a bright one. She made mention of specific communities she would miss following her departure, including Charity, Unity and Triumph. These names, according to her, are fitting since they reference Guyana’s future as a “caring, inclusive, and prosperous democratic nation.”
“As I depart Guyana and reflect upon my time here, I am so proud of all that my team accomplished in partnership with the government and people of Guyana. I will miss Guyana’s breezy coast, Rocky Mountains, and breathtaking savannah. I will miss your delicious food, rich culture, and fascinating flora and fauna.”
“Most of all, I will miss the delightful citizens of this beautiful land. Your warmth and kindness to me was unsurpassed and I so appreciate you allowing me to be a guest in your nation for these past several years. Like my favourite name of a tiny Guyanese community – Now or Never – Now is your moment, Guyana! I wish you only the best success. Farewell!” the diplomat added in her farewell letter.
Over the past week, Ambassador Lynch has been visiting with Government Ministers and stakeholders, as she winds down her diplomatic tour in Guyana. The Ambassador was first accredited in 2019, presenting her credentials to then President David Granger in March of that year. Meanwhile, Ambassador Nicole Theriot has already been officially confirmed as the new Ambassador to Guyana by the US Congress. (G3)