Georgetown, Guyana – October 2, 2015 The new United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, pledged his support to the Government to eliminate any impediments to the country’s development. The Ambassador made these remarks as he handed over his Letters of Credence to President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency, today.
He also gave his commitment to work with the Administration to ensure that local government elections are held before the end of 2015, possibly with the use of an electronic tabulation system, so that the process is done more efficiently.
“I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors in these critical areas and in broadening the friendship and cooperation that already exists between our two governments and peoples… I look forward to working closely with the Government to build on Guyana’s growing democracy,” the Ambassador said.
He also emphasised the need for cooperation at the local level to ensure that all Guyanese regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability can enjoy equal opportunities. This, he said, will not only assist political reconciliation, but will promote national development as well.
Meanwhile, President Granger, in his remarks, welcomed the US’ renewed commitment to strengthen existing partnerships and to forge new ones. He noted that the two countries have enjoyed cordial relations for over fifty years and have collaborated in areas such as; energy, health, security, trade and the promotion of democracy.
The President stated that Guyana’s geographical location on the mainland of the South American continent makes it vulnerable to penetration by transnational criminal networks and territorial claims, both of which can undermine peace and security.
“Guyana is resolved to defend its territory, dismantle transnational criminal networks and develop its natural resources for the benefit of its people. The capabilities of criminal cartels, however, can exceed those of small states, we must seek succor and support through partnerships with other states, which have an interest in preserving the Caribbean as a zone of peace,” President Granger said.
He also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to working with the US to strengthen cooperation under the framework of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), to ensure peace, stability and security, to expanding our cooperation to promote a sustainable framework for peace, security and development for all.
“Guyana looks forward to the support of the United States of America in its legitimate quest to protect itself against terrorism, transnational crime and threats to its territorial integrity… We wish to urge the US to use its influence in the hemisphere and on the international stage to reject the use, or threat of the use, of force between states, to promote development and to preserve the Caribbean as a zone of peace,” President Granger added.
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