USAID-Caricom partnership making “tangible difference” for Guyanese – US Ambassador

A longstanding partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom): to foster progress in key sectors, is making a key difference in the lives of Guyanese.
On Wednesday evening, USAID and Caricom celebrated their partnership at a reception at the Marriott Hotel held under the theme: Neighbours, Partners, Friends – Spotlight on Guyana. There, newly-appointed United States Ambassador Nicole Theriot used the opportunity to zero in on the sectors which are being supported to ensure a safe and secure Guyana.
“The partnership between USAID and Caricom demonstrates our shared commitment to fostering progress in Guyana. Our efforts in citizen security, juvenile justice, climate resilience, food security, and agriculture are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve,” she declared.
The diplomat said that, through collaborative efforts with Caricom, several initiatives have been embarked on that touch upon the most pressing challenges facing societies. First and foremost, climate resilience is an ever-pressing concern.
“With the support of Caricom, USAID is assisting Guyana in building resilience against the impacts of climate change. This includes sustainable land management, disaster preparedness, and the promotion of clean energy alternatives; ensuring the country is well-prepared to face the challenges of a changing climate,” she said.
On a similar note, the Ambassador outlined that food security and agriculture are the lifeblood of any nation. The partners, she added, are working diligently to bolster Guyana’s agricultural sector, promoting sustainable farming practices and increasing access to nutritious food.
Another vital area of cooperation is the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBS), which addresses shared US-Caribbean security priorities to reduce illicit trafficking, increase citizen security, and prevent youth crime and violence.
“Whether it’s by improving community policing, providing training to law enforcement, or supporting crime prevention programmes, our aim is to create a secure environment that allows our communities to prosper. The issue of juvenile justice is another area where USAID has been actively engaged. Our programmes work to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders into society, offering them a second chance at a productive and fulfilling life,” Ambassador Theriot divulged.
During the Caricom anniversary celebrations this year, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the importance of being a good friend and partner. Reflecting this sentiment, Theriot said the Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated a renewed commitment to the Caribbean Region and its people.
She indicated, “This was evident when new initiatives were announced at last year’s Summit of the Americas. These initiatives were launched under the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030), which is the US Government’s cornerstone for fostering regional climate adaptation, food security, and energy cooperation up to 2030.”
Meanwhile, Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett pointed out that this affiliation with the US Government has resulted in the alignment of the United States and Caricom to support common interests.
Dr Barnett shared with the gathering, “The Food Security Working Group has made commendable progress to support the reduction of the Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025…I take this opportunity to commend the exceptional leadership of Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, who leads within the community on agriculture, agriculture diversification, and food security on the Caricom Quasi Cabinet.”