The shared values between the United States of America (USA) and Guyana were championed when a seven-member US congressional delegation travelled to Guyana on Friday for talks with government officials, members of the opposition and private sector players.
Because of this commonality, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali clearly said Guyana wants more US investors and support as the country heralds in its new era of development.
He also called on the US to support Guyana’s global advocacy on food and energy security and climate change.
The Head of State, while speaking at a dinner at the US Ambassador’s residence on Friday evening in honour of the visiting delegation, acknowledged that the two sides are keen on promoting their interests.
He, however, disclosed that the congressional visit did not focus solely on what benefits one country could get from the other.
Based on discussions held at State House in Georgetown, earlier Friday, Dr. Ali said the visit focused on the value of both countries to each other.
And Dr. Ali pitched Guyana as an important strategic partner for the US.
“You have nothing to fear.
“Guyana is and will continue to be an important, strategic partner of the US and the opportunities here are open to all and open to the US and your private sector and we want to see greater private participation from the US private sector and the US here in Guyana,” the President said.
Importantly too, he called for formal, strategic partnership with the US on energy and food security and mitigating the climate crisis.
According to him, these interconnected matters require collective action. And with Guyana becoming an increasingly important regional and global player in all three areas, Dr. Ali called on the US to support its efforts.
The Guyanese Head of State also said his government is transforming its housing programme, advancing human resource transformation, pushing infrastructural development and developing healthcare and education.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Jason Smith and other representatives of this committee, Terri Sewell, Carol Miller, Michelle Fischbach, Beth Van Duyne and Mike Carey are part of the delegation, along with representative of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Kelly Armstrong.
The Committee on Ways and Means is the oldest congressional committee and has the responsibility for raising the revenue required to finance the Federal Government. Smith also said this committee is responsible for trade.
And he was keen on emphasising Guyana’s value to the US, noting that it was only one of three countries the committee visited during its recent travels. The other countries were Mexico and Ecuador.
“We wanted to make sure we recognise how important our bilateral relationships are with these three countries,” Smith said.
Earlier on Friday, Smith told Fox News that the bipartisan congressional visit, in part, focused on pushing America’s interests while outcompeting the Chinese influence in Guyana.
A press release from the Office of the President noted that Smith and the delegation pledged US support for the modernisation of Guyana’s energy and physical infrastructure.
At the reception, he said the US relationship with Guyana would “only get stronger” and assured Guyanese of the US support for the country’s development.
“We want to see you all become so successful and have the most amazing infrastructure and quality of life.
“… There’s no country that cares about your stability and your prosperity than the US,” Smith said.
Don’t be fooled by these visitors ! They were not here because they care about the Guyanese people but how their shares in Exxon operation here is performing. Don’t trust these people. They always have hidden agenda and by the time the Guyanese leaders realize their mistake it will be too late to do anything about it. Let this sink in …. time will surely reveal their true intentions. The US Congress is one of the most corrupt on this planet. If they don.t care about their own people do you think they would care a hoot about the Guyanese people??????? Millions in the US are homeless and don’t know where their next meals will be coming from. They turn a blind eye on this problem while they can find billions to send to Ukraine and Israel or elsewhere. The people in need don’t see a penny in those places. Wonder how these parasites get so rich ??? go figure!!