All Guyana extend a most hearty welcome to United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is gracing these shores with a two-day visit.
While in Guyana, Secretary Pompeo will hold high-level discussions with President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, among other officials. It was also reported that, during the visit, the two sides would conclude agreements aimed at strengthening the Guyana/US cooperation programme.
Guyana is indeed particularly honoured to host Mr Pompeo, not merely because he is the highest-level official from the world’s greatest superpower to come to Guyana in recent times, but because of his great ability and the extremely significant role he is playing in world affairs. It should be pointed out that Mr Pompeo, a West Point and Harvard Law graduate and former Congressman, is highly respected even by adversaries.
American policy under Pompeo’s watch is committed to ensuring that the Western Hemisphere becomes an oasis of democracy and peace. The American policy of ensuring this happy circumstance has necessitated a close and constant engagement with various national stakeholders, and Mike Pompeo’s work has been distinguished in this regard.
In Guyana, the forces of dictatorship and anti-democracy had preened themselves to establish a Burnhamite electorally-rigged dictatorship after the December 21 2018 no-confidence motion in Parliament went against them. The incumbent at the time (APNU/AFC) ignored the Constitution of the country, and even tried to sideline the Judiciary. They were bent on establishing a dictatorship, and did so by every means possible, but leaders like Pompeo and others are wary of countries going along this path.
Local democratic forces which included the small parties and the PPP/C, along with civil society groups, were tirelessly in their struggle to assert democracy, but certain key elements were bent on seizing power by hook or crook. It was only when the CARICOM and ABCE countries, and particularly the US and its able Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, let it be known that they would not tolerate a Government remaining in office through fraudulent means, that the forces of democracy were encouraged and given a strength and new lease of life. Victory was eventually achieved, and a democratically-elected Government is in place. This, we know, was not an easy task.
Pompeo’s visit to Guyana and other countries in the Region is an assertion and strengthening of democracy, and sends a clear message to everyone that the Western World, and the USA in particular, would not tolerate dictatorships. The modern world values democracy and the rule of law, and would support various endeavours in this regard.
Additionally, the US has always been an important development partner of Guyana, and it is our belief that Secretary Pompeo’s visit following the Administration’s recent assumption to office is an indication of Washington’s confidence in President Ali’s Government. Certainly, Pompeo’s visit to Guyana would strengthen Guyana-US relationship, which is bound to grow stronger and stronger because of the many ties that bind us together: we were both British colonies, we speak the same language, we share the Common Law and the same Parliamentary institutions.
Further, it should also be mentioned that Guyana has strong familial links with the US, with hundreds of thousands of Guyanese residing there.
Over the years, the US, through its development agencies, has funded several projects in Guyana, including in the areas of governance, HIV/AIDS, small business development, the environment, health and education. This support has really made a difference in achieving our development objectives.
With Guyana now being an oil producing nation, and major US businesses investing here, we firmly believe that there would be an increased interest in terms of creating partnerships with this country. In this regard, we are certain Secretary Pompeo’s visit will open a new era of closer social, economic and political cooperation.
