-President Ramotar at Mission’s 50th anniversary reception
President Donald Ramotar Tuesday evening joined US Ambassador to Guyana Brent Hardt and the diplomatic community at a reception in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Guyanese Head of State, in his remarks, said that 50 years for an organization is a very long time by any measure, and lauded the agency’s accomplishments in building a peaceful and prosperous world.
“The Government of Guyana has consistently sought to create a society where people can lead comfortable and productive lives, and welcomes the assistance that it has continued to receive in realising these objectives; and it is for this reason that the Government of Guyana values its partnership with the USAID,” the president said.
He pointed out that small states like Guyana are faced with many challenges and require cooperation and collaboration, and posited that the USAID continues to be especially supportive of government’s efforts in bringing the country to an economically viable place where opportunities are created for every citizen to enjoy an excellent quality of life.
This collaboration has resulted in significant diversification of the local economy, in both the traditional and non-traditional areas.
“We are deeply appreciative of the invaluable role played by the US Government in these developments,” he said.
He said too that government remains tireless in its endeavour to create a strong democratic culture where the will of the people prevails, noting that sustained social and economic development is not possible without strong democracy, and the recently held general and regional elections is proof of the seriousness to foster such a culture.
Ambassador Hardt said that the spirit of innovation and the belief in doing the right thing, which are hallmarks of USAID, have never been stronger.
“We have had a long and productive history of development partnership in Guyana over the course of decades, dating back to the construction of the Linden road and sea defences, to today’s public health, economic diversification, security and democracy programmes…USAID represents perhaps one of the finest expressions of who we are as a people, and our desire to work in partnership with other countries and peoples throughout the world,” the Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, USAID Mission Director acting, Eric Kite, said that in recent years, the agency’s activities have focused on strengthening the capacity of local institutions to help meet the needs of Guyanese.
The mission has targeted its resources to address transnational challenges that threaten peace and prosperity in Guyana and the region at large. The challenges  include high levels of crime and violence, youth unemployment, HIV/AIDS pandemic, needed economic diversification and competitiveness, strengthened democratic institutions and climate change issues.
Kite noted that the mission plans to continue its engagement in Guyana with regard to strengthening the public health system and the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) programme, focusing on crime prevention.                
USAID was created in 1961 by then US President John F. Kennedy, and over the past half century, it has been at the forefront in assisting countries to unleash the potential of their citizens by fostering equitable economic growth, revolutionising agricultural productivity, fighting endemic diseases and new pandemics, finding new ways to expand educational opportunities and fostering democracy and good governance. (GINA)