Prime Minister Samuel Hinds Friday evening extended congratulations to the United States of America on its 233rd Independence Anniversary, while acknowledging that Guyana and the U.S. have shared fruitful bilateral relations since 1966. Prime Minister Hinds, speaking at a reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, said that the U.S. has achieved remarkable social and economic development during the course of its independence.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Charge d’ Affaires of the U.S. Embassy Karen Williams toast to the 233rd independence anniversary of the United States.

“I am pleased to join this evening in this celebration. On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, I wish to take this opportunity to convey congratulations to the Government and people of the U.S. on the achievement of another important milestone in the nation’s history. The occasion of celebration of a mile stone in a nation history presents opportunities to reflect on achievements, the future goals and challenges ahead,” the Prime Minister said.

Attending the reception were U.S. officials, including Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy, Karen Williams; members of the Diplomatic Corps; Government of Guyana Officials;  and delegates attending the 30th  Heads of Government Conference. 

The Prime Minister noted that the two countries’ relations are characterized by close collaboration in the international arena and high level bilateral cooperation.   

With this in mind, he thanked the U.S. for its assistance to develop some critical sectors through various programmes which include cooperation related to crime and security, health sector assistance and other programmes that have contributed and continue to contribute to Guyana’s social development.    

He noted that both Governments face tremendous challenges in dealing with trafficking in narcotics and criminal networks that threaten the society.         

“Guyana is heartened by the commitment of President Obama in tackling these problems, during his recent announcement at the Summit of the Americas, and his intention to form a joint initiative to advance common security in the hemisphere,” he noted               

He said the Caribbean community is confident about the dialogue that is expected to take place this year with President Obama, which will provide the political instruments to move the bilateral relations forward.           

Government, he said, is committed to building on the friendly and productive relations the two countries share, and looks forward to continued support for Guyana’s initiative on addressing the adverse effects of climate change which will be advanced at Copenhagen later this year.         

Charge d’ Affaires Karen Williams said that the U.S. partnership with Guyana is not just about security, but focuses on humanitarian issues which include PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Programme for AIDS Relief) and the New Horizons project.

The U.S. gained its Independence on July 4, 1776 and is one of the most powerful countries in the world.     (GINA)