Dear Editor,
“By building a culture of transparency, predictability, stability, accountability, and due process, in addition to implementing international best practices in procurement, and promoting mutually beneficial local partnerships, Guyana has the opportunity to be a real leader in the region”.
This was the view expressed by the United States government recently in a speech delivered by Mr. Pedro Martin, Acting Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs, US State Department at the opening reception for participants in the ‘Doing Business With Guyana’ conference in south Florida, put on by the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC).
As a strategic partner in Guyana’s development and a critical player in hemispheric and global affairs, in addition to its huge Guyana diaspora community, I am of the view that the views of the US government cannot be ignored. The US played a critical role in helping to ensure that the will of the Guyanese electorate was exercised following last year’s elections and its views about how the country moves forward now, and in the future, must not be discounted.
I am pleased to share the text of Mr. Martin’s address since I am of the view that its message is timely and important:
“Thank you Mr. Kirton, and welcome to the Honorable Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and to the members of the visiting delegation. Welcome as well to our distinguished speakers and to the participants of this evening’s event.
I am honored to be here tonight to help welcome you to the United States, and to South Florida specifically. As someone who grew up in the area I can say that the region’s hospitality is unmatched and will set the scene for a successful conference and visit.
The ties between the United States and Guyana date back even before Guyana’s independence, and encouraging economic development between us can only serve to strengthen those ties. That is why I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Wesley Kirton and to the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce for their role in organizing the Doing Business with Guyana Conference and for advancing positive U.S.- Guyana relations.
This conference comes at an especially opportune time as we are all looking for ways to rebuild our economies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic that continues to devastate our communities.
As noted earlier, Guyana has the distinction of being the only country in the region with positive GDP growth in 2020, growing its economy by over 40%. That is in no small part due to the work and commitment of all of you in attendance. But more work needs to be done.
A transparent and inclusive Guyana is key to ensuring a favorable investment climate that helps Guyana grow and prosper. The experience and expertise the G-A-C-C brings to the table will be key to pursuing improvements such as more efficient permitting processes, transparent procedures especially in procurement, and quality infrastructure ranging from roads to cheaper, reliable electricity.
The U.S. government looks forward to inclusive dialogue on a proposed local content policy (LCP) and amended Natural Resource Fund legislation that charts a clear, realistic path for Guyana, the local private sector, international investors with knowledge to share, and the Guyanese people.
The local content policy should strike a balance between protecting Guyana’s human capital while also creating a welcoming atmosphere for international investors to spur innovation and diversify the economy. If done correctly, the policy could serve as an incentive to form partnerships and joint ventures that enable both U.S. and Guyanese firms to share expertise, best practices, and profit together across many sectors.
Taken together, the local content policy and careful investment from the Natural Resource Fund can foster opportunities for all Guyanese and benefit the country as a whole. We look forward to and publicly call for productive, inclusive dialogue on these important issues.
We know these reforms are not easy, so through our U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, we are working to help foster communities that support strong investment in not just industries, but people.
By building a culture of transparency, predictability, stability, accountability, and due process, in addition to implementing international best practices in procurement, and promoting mutually beneficial local partnerships, Guyana has the opportunity to be a real leader in the region. I’m happy to be here tonight on behalf of the U.S. Department of State to support that.
Please continue to call for favorable policies and legislation in Guyana. Prosperity and good, inclusive governance is a win for all of us. So be a part of the development of Guyana, for yourselves, for your community, and for the United States.
Thank you.”
Regards
Wesley Kirton