ANDREW Ayre presented his Letters of Credence as the new British High Commissioner to Guyana and outlined social sector improvements, security strengthening and tackling climate change as his immediate priorities. The new High Commissioner, who is serving in his first capacity as a Head of Mission, served in British embassies in Vienna, Tel Aviv, Geneva, Nicosia, Rio de Janeiro and Warsaw among other diplomatic posts.
He told members of the media that his first priority is to assist Guyana in developing improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with a focus on its education systems and infrastructure.
On the issue of security, High Commissioner Ayre said he will be lending support to tackling organized crime in Guyana,  the scourge of drug trafficking and the fight against terrorism.
The new High Commissioner described strengthened security as critical to Guyana’s development and also intends to take a similar approach in the fight against climate change.
His discussion with President Jagdeo yesterday focused on the upcoming national elections which High Commissioner Ayre expressed the hope will be free and fair with an outcome reflective of the wishes of the populace.
He sees the observer missions from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as welcoming in the elections process.
High Commissioner Ayer will be serving in his capacity for the next three years.