US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Washington looks forward to continue working with Guyana on the move towards net zero carbon emissions and accountability in governance among other areas.
In an independence anniversary message to Guyana, Blinken also condoled with the government and the people of Guyana over Sunday’s fire at a dormitory at Mahdia that claimed 19 lives.
“Our two countries share strong educational, historic, economic, and cultural ties and we look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen commercial ties, to move towards net zero carbon emissions, promote accountability in governance, cooperate in the health sector, bolster human rights, and encourage stability in the region”, the Secretary of State said.
While accountability has been often referenced by the US and its representatives, the mention of carbon zero will be seen as important in the context of Guyana’s oil extraction operations here led by US oil major, ExxonMobil. Critics have accused the Guyana Government of not doing enough to get to net zero carbon emissions.
Blinken also expressed hope for cooperation in the security arena to “jointly fight illicit activity”. He also stated that shared values of democracy and resilience will continue to be cornerstones of a strong bilateral relationship.
He added: “We remain steadfast in our continued progress under the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) towards challenges such as climate change and food security in the coming year. We look forward to our continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening the ties between our two countries in the years to come”.
On the Mahdia fire, he said: “We wish the government and people of Guyana comfort during this tragic time and send our deepest sympathies. We offer our heartfelt best wishes to the young women who survived, and we are keeping those who remain hospitalized close in our thoughts. We stand with the community of Mahdia and the people of Guyana”.
