By Fareeza Haniff

PRESIDENT David Granger is hopeful that, during February 2016, his Government would be able to announce the appointment of new Guyanese ambassadors to several countries.“I would very much hope that, during this month of February, we would hear some announcements,” the President told the Guyana Chronicle during his recent programme ‘The Public Interest’.

The President explained that a number of factors are contributing to the delay in announcing the new ambassadors, chief of which is the acceptance of the nominees by the countries involved.

“In many cases, people have applied, we have received applications, but there is a factor in diplomacy called Agrément. When a nomination is made, the nominating country has to receive Agrément; simply translated, it means ‘agreement’.”

President Granger said it would be unwise for the Government to reveal particulars of the nominees before they are granted Agrément.

“Sometimes it is imprudent to make an announcement before Agrément is granted. Because you may announce that this person is to be ambassador to the United States and the United States may not grant Agrément for different reasons – citizenship, or the person may have a reputation of attacking the United Nations…” the Head of State explained.

He said that even though Agrément has been granted to Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles, she has not yet actually presented her Letters of Credence.
“So, technically, she is not yet Ambassador to Caracas. That’s the way international diplomacy operates; it is not a Government department.”

The President pointed out that “some discussions” have been held, but the issue is yet to be taken to Cabinet.

Government has said there must be rotation of Heads of Missions. Just after the May 11, 2015 General Elections, the administration announced that the Heads of Missions should not be in – situ for more than four years.
The procedure for diplomats, Government has said, is for them to be rotated between two and four-year periods.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had said Government intends to have politicians — who are not career diplomats — resign from their posts, given that the former Government is no longer in power.