THE 2015 budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was on Monday evening given the go-ahead by the National Assembly. Approved was a sum total of $4B, the majority of which caters for measures aimed at promoting and defending Guyana’s interest worldwide through the execution of a determined foreign policy.

Of the sum allocated to the ministry, $2.679B covers foreign policy promotion. The remaining allocation is split between measures aimed at the development of foreign trade, $40.8M and those that cater for the coordination and the management of the human, financial and physical resources necessary for the successful development and implementation of the country’s foreign policy.
Providing clarification on some of the measures that would be undertaken to improve foreign policy, Third Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge clarified that it will cover capacity-building of staff as well as examining the posting.

He explained that emphasis will be placed on postings in key areas, including Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America and Latin America as part of developing deeper relationships.

Allocations were also made for the upkeep of various embassies and missions abroad.

When asked about the increase in local travel and subsistence by $57M, Minister Greenidge explained that the programme constitutes posting and reposting, and it will see a large increase where there is need for the replacement of staff. When asked if the reposting includes the Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela, the minister responded in the positive, noting that the reposting will be done within the next four weeks.