-as U.S. observes 236th  independence anniversary
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the functions of President, last evening attended a reception hosted by the American Ambassador to Guyana, Brent Hardt, at his residence, to commemorate the United States of America’s 236th anniversary since the signing of the declaration of independence on July 4, 1776. The evening was celebrated under the theme, “American Tapestry.” The Prime Minister, in his address, said that the level of social and economic development which the U.S. now enjoys is a manifestation of the hard work and endurance of its people in the preservation of their hard-fought independence.
The U.S. is a major player in world affairs, which it no doubt achieved, having drawn from the strengths and diversity of its people.
“We in Guyana speak proudly and often about the tremendous potential we have for significant growth and development. However, we are also painfully aware of the enormous challenges which confront us as a small developing state, as we seek to pursue our national development objectives,” the Prime Minister said.
With regard to the development challenges that this country faces, he said that Guyana needs  support from the international community and expressed government’s appreciation of the longstanding cooperation in matters of mutual interest between the two countries.
Some of the programmes that have been realised through the friendly bilateral relationship between Guyana and the U.S. include: the President Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), capacity building, the memorandum of understanding under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), strengthening of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and improvement of the management and fiduciary oversight of the government through the Millennium Challenge Account.
“We applaud the many achievements made in our long-standing relationship; we recognise that there is need for greater understanding of our respective situations, if we are to achieve the level of cooperation and understanding for which we both aspire,” the Prime Minister stated.
Guyana looks forward to improved collaboration and understanding in other areas in which the two countries are engaged.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Hardt, in his remarks, also recapped the areas of cooperation between the two countries and said that the U.S. looks forward to strengthening the existing bond.
He added, “Guyana, like the U.S., will continue to come together as a nation with its own colourful tapestry, and find ways to work in the national interest, even as it debates and discusses different approaches and priorities.”
Guyana and the United States have shared fruitful bilateral relations since 1966.