AS the UK Government’s representative in a Commonwealth nation, the post of High Commissioner is one fraught with responsibility and challenges, but is simultaneously fulfilling and pleasurable, as His Excellency Andrew Ayre, who has been British High Commissioner to Guyana since September 2011, recently revealed in an exclusive chat with the Guyana Chronicle.

His Excellency shared with our readers some of his candid photos from his family album, as well as personal recollections and memories of his time in Guyana.
On the professional side, a man in Ayre’s position is responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission and its Deputy High Commissions and Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

Just to give a few examples, during his tenure, the UK took over the Agricultural Diversification Project from the US and, in a separate issue, set up a trade office to facilitate export of Guyanese products to the European market.
Then there are social issues to be dealt with, for example, domestic violence and trafficking in persons, which are of great concern to the British Consulate.
Another issue that the Ayre-led Commission is highly involved with is the prevention of sexual violence, and Ayre said the consulate would continue to support organisations such as Red Thread.

Thoughts on Guyana
On a more personal note, Ayre has had the privilege of seeing more of our beautiful land than most Guyanese. He disclosed that some of his best memories are from the various trips that he has made to places like the Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls, the Essequibo Coast, Annai, Iwokrama, and Berbice (New Amsterdam and crossing the Corentyne).
He said: “Sadly, I’ve never been to Lethem. In my last year, I would like to go to Lethem. I have had quite a varied travelling experience in Guyana, more than most Guyanese have. I know the reason for that: It’s very expensive to go into the interior. So I am very lucky and feel honoured to have had the opportunity to do that.”
From his observations during his travels, he opines that Guyana is full of potential. “The potential of this country is huge. Like any developing country, there are challenges; but challenges can be overcome.
“The future is very bright for Guyana, if we look at things like natural resources, the land, the forest. Use of natural resources can have a very bright future indeed. Imagine the impact that will have on reducing poverty and improving education standards, improving the infrastructure. If managed properly, they will do very well for the future of Guyana.”

Leap of faith
How does being in Guyana compare to the High Commissioner’s previous postings in places such as Warsaw, Tel Aviv and Vienna?  His not surprising answer was: “It doesn’t! That’s not a negative comment!”
As he went on to explain, it was a leap of faith that made him accept this job when appointed by Her Majesty the Queen, as he had never before visited the Caribbean, nor had he ever worked with the Caribbean. He simply needed a change, as his previous postings often involved working in conflict prevention, and this was his first turn as High Commissioner.
He describes the European setting as being somewhat anonymous, as he was just another European working there.
“It’s very different… Guyana has really exceeded my expectations in terms of contentment and happiness. I look forward to my third year here.”

Family
Since Ayre is married and has a son — Tobias — the question of family life comes up, as Ayre obviously moves according to his postings. The Ayres have a surprisingly stable and normal family life, as they came up with a workable solution. As a father, Ayre explains, children, especially teenage children, find it hard to frequently change schools and leave their friends behind, so he and his wife, Bettina, came to a workable solution by giving their son the option of staying at a boarding school in England. So, Tobias visits his parents on holidays, and enjoys telling his friends about his adventures in Guyana.
But there are also many advantages, as Ayre points out. The alternative is staying in one place and doing the same job all your life. “I enjoy this. The challenges come with children more than they come with spouses and family, in my experience.”

Destination Guyana
The issue of UK-to-Guyana travel was broached, and Ayre said one of the major downsides to Guyana is its weak air links to Europe. He pointed out, though, that previous British tourists were thrilled with the natural beauty of Guyana, having “… a genuine adventure [that was] genuinely different,” and having experienced fantastic flora and fauna.
He noted that most of the tourists coming to Guyana are between 40 and 60 years old, and are quite well off, so they can’t spend two days getting to their destination. He observed that if air transport and other logistical issues, such as hotel accommodation, are worked out, “They will come.”
But Guyana has already won his heart. “People who know me know how I feel about this country. I really like it. I really love being High Commissioner to Guyana! It’s not just a privilege, but a pleasure as well. I think everyone that knows me here knows that I’m outgoing, I’m out there. I have a lot of Guyanese friends. I think the people are fantastic and they are the single best thing about this country.”

Avid motorcyclist
It is interesting to know that Ayre is a motorcycle enthusiast, who has even been involved in the sport competitively, though not during his time in Guyana. So, don’t be too surprised if you happen to spot him on a bike on one of our local tracks.
Ayre joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1986. He previously served as the Head of the EU Budget and European Councils Team at the FCO. He wants to make the British High Commission in Guyana one of the highest performing in the world during his tenure, which will end in a year’s time.