– food & energy security, climate resilience, local capacity on agenda for discussion
United States Secretary of State Antony J Blinken will be in Guyana next week to meet with President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet members to discuss a host of issues aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries as well as fostering regional cooperation.
In a statement on Friday, the Spokesperson at the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, announced that Secretary Blinken will travel to Georgetown on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
While here, the US official will be meeting with President Ali, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and other key members of the Guyana Cabinet.
During that engagement, they are expected to “…discuss priority bilateral issues including food and energy security and decarbonisation, climate resilience, regional migration, and building local capacity.”
Secretary Blinken’s one-day visit to Guyana is part of efforts by the United States Government to strengthen ties with the Caribbean Region. In fact, he will first be travelling to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on July 5, to participate in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government meeting as well as the 50th Anniversary of Caricom celebration.
This visit by the US Secretary of State is building on Vice President Kamala Harris’ historic June 8 visit to The Bahamas, where she co-hosted the US-Caribbean Leaders Meeting. Secretary Blinken is expected to engage the represented Heads of Government, including Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and incoming Caricom Chair and Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on pressing issues in the Caribbean Region.
This is the second visit by a US Secretary of State under the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.
Back in September 2020, shortly after the swearing-in of the Ali-led Administration, the then US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid a visit to Guyana during which he announced US$3 million for a “locally-led programme for citizens involvement in the Government” and another US$1.5 million for “the youth of Guyana will be involved in democracy as well”.
This funding was from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Pompeo had also announced the allocation of US$5 million to assist Venezuelans in Guyana who were forced to flee their country due to severe economic hardships and other political issues which have gripped the nation in recent years.
US Independence celebration in Guyana
Guyana and the US have enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship and this was only recently highlighted by outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who reiterated her country’s commitment towards supporting Guyana on its journey of unprecedented growth and development.
She made these remarks at a reception on Thursday evening at the Marriott Hotel to celebrate the 247th Independence Anniversary of the United States, which will be observed on July 4.
According to the US diplomat, her country will continue to support Guyana on its developmental path.
“Guyana is clearly on a unique and amazing journey. The United States has been and will continue to be on this journey with you. I could not be prouder of the enduring partnership between our two nations which I know will continue long past my tenure in Guyana… And you can count on me to be your champion for years to come. Your future is bright, Guyana; and like my favourite name of a tiny Guyanese community – Now or Never – Now is your moment, Guyana,” she posited.
Ambassador Lynch, who will be wrapping up her tenure in Guyana soon, also reflected on the gains made over the years to further enhance the relationship between Guyana and the US.
In the last year alone, these cooperations have seen the return of Peace Corps volunteers to work in key sectors like education, health and the environment across Guyana; hosting of the Caribbean Regional Security exercise for a second time in two years; training of Guyanese young leaders, professionals and budding entrepreneurs; increase in US investors’ interest in sectors outside of oil and gas in Guyana, and the training of Guyanese law enforcement officers.
She also outlined the various high-level “productive and fruitful” visits to the US by Guyanese delegations including those led by President Ali to further strengthen and deepen the relationship between the two nations.
Another development the outgoing diplomat mentioned was the start of the historic Gas-to-energy project that will provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity for Guyanese citizens.
“I have been extraordinarily proud to lead a hard-working US Embassy team dedicated to deepening our partnership with the Guyanese people – those in the Government, those in the private sector, and those in civil society – to secure those democratic values and those democratic principles,” the Ambassador stated.
The US official went on to recognise Guyana’s efforts to not only become a strong leader in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), especially in the area of food security, but also increasing its leadership on the world stage.
“These are strong signs of confidence by the international community that Guyana wants to contribute to regional and global efforts to strengthen international partnerships, the rule of law and to promote peace and stability around the globe,” Ambassador Lynch noted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips hailed the US as a long-standing development partner of Guyana – a relationship which he says is continuing to advance.
“We’ve noted and welcomed your country’s renewed interest in our bilateral relations. The recent and upcoming high-level visits between our two countries demonstrate the level of commitment employed to continue our engagement in advancing our cooperation agenda.”
“The strong familial bonds of the Guyanese Diaspora have contributed in no small measure to the enduring ties that bind our two nations in friendship, mutual respect and cooperation as we seek to translate the mutually shared aspirations of our people for a better life in a better world for all,” PM Phillips said. (G-8)
