US Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt on Tuesday pledged his commitment to working with government, civil society, private sector and all Guyanese to build on the existing partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
“At the end of the day diplomacy is all about people, relationships, establishing trust and confidence, listening and working together effectively,” the ambassador said at a welcome reception hosted for him and his wife at his residence.
According to a GINA press release, the ambassador noted that the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative has allowed close working relations with Guyana in a regional effort to combat drug trafficking and help young people to avoid getting involved in criminal activities.
The release said the US Embassy has also been working with the Guyana Elections Commission to support electoral processes. It will lend support to the Electoral Assistance Bureau for the monitoring of the upcoming elections. A partnership between the US Forest Services and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) aims to help Guyana achieve REDD+ initiatives in its Low Carbon Development Strategy.
The US-Guyana trade and investment support project has been opening new export opportunities for Guyanese goods and services, eco-tourism, aquaculture and wood products, the release said.
“I have come to know Guyana as a country with tremendous economic potential, with its rainforest, agricultural lands, mineral resources, and creative and innovative people… with continued strong economic investments and continued growth in the confidence of the political process, I believe Guyana is poised for major achievements,” the release quoted the ambassador as saying. He said US engagement in Guyana is rooted in collaboration and shared values of democracy, tolerance, economic opportunities, and respect for human dignity, which have borne fruit in a host of joint efforts in several areas.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, welcoming the new ambassador, said that Guyana and the US have traditionally shared a close relationship in various areas such as health, security, climate change, governance and energy, all of which contribute to the country’s overall national development effort.
“The Government of Guyana is very appreciative of the US Government’s commitment to this partnership between our two peoples and looks forward to its further strengthening during your tenure here,” the release quoted the PM as saying.
Hinds also said that the government is committed to ensuring that the close partnership shared by the two countries continues, the release added.
