united States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway on Tuesday paid a visit to the Linden community in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and held consultations with various stakeholders.
The diplomat met and consulted with members of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), including its newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tandika Miller; members of the Private Sector and the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development and regional officials, among them Councillor Sandra Adams and Regional Chairman Renis Morian. Holloway also attended a health fair in the community on Tuesday, hosted by the Regional Health Committee, following which he visited several areas.
Several ideas were traded at these consultations in an effort to assist in the development process of the community. One such area discussed was the crafting of a working relationship between the local Chamber of Commerce and those within the United States. In response to a question posed by a member of the Linden Chamber on the establishment of such a relationship, Holloway reassured that he has already tasked his Deputy with focusing on commerce, industry and business. Member of the Linden Chamber, Staydon Payne sought to engage the Ambassador on trade and business opportunities through collaboration with agencies such as GO-Invest, and the establishment of a working relationship with the US Embassy. He also sought assistance with resource and development officers to assist in the area of training.
Another area discussed was the alternative energy sector, on which Holloway said he has held private engagement with President David Granger. It was noted by Payne that there is high potential for alternative sources of energy in the Region, more specifically hydro-power, as outlined in the Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). As such, he noted, this remains an area of focus, and should the agro-processing industry develop, then there will be increased need for alternative sources of energy. Holloway noted that one of the biggest barriers in Guyana was the high cost of electricity as he outlined that hydro should be part of Guyana’s future.
“Companies don’t want to come build a factory because the electricity cost is too high,” he noted, as participants in the discussion assured him of the lower costs in Linden.
Meanwhile, Adams stressed the need for private-public partnership, while Miller expressed optimism in
US Ambassador Perry Holloway meeting with Linden stakeholders
working collaboratively with the US Embassy, through the LEN, in the area of investment.
During Holloway’s meet with officials of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Regional Chairman Morian said he was happy about the visit and highlighted several issues affecting the Linden community. He noted that officials were presently working towards peace building and togetherness.
Holloway stated that he has learnt much from the members of the “wonderful” community of Linden and made a promise to render assistance in whatever way possible. He said given the information which he has gathered on the community, he is better able to put things into context and as such, Linden officials can look forward to improved engagement in the future.
“I can’t promise you giant things, but I can promise you that we’re in a position to look for opportunities and we’re going to do just that,” Holloway declared.
