A MEETING supported and funded in part by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will be held next week in New York as consultation continues on Guyana’s Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan.

“This is a cycle that began prior to 2015, it has been continuing and we have been able to arrange for additional consultation,” Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge told reporters.

He noted that a consultant, who was working with four Caribbean territories, has prepared a White paper.

“The element pertaining to Guyana was that the subject of a very preliminary examination by Cabinet,” he posited, adding that Cabinet has mandated a number of ministers, including the Ministers of Citizenship, Business and Public Security to review the proposals with the intention of providing recommendations.

However, he noted that the additional consultations are being facilitated to allow for contributions from those who missed the initial opportunity to do so.

“Sometimes the area which had the most to say, had the most to say after they were invited to participate so they didn’t participate in significant numbers, in some places,” Minister Greenidge pointed out.

This round of consultations is part of a series of meetings in New York, USA and Toronto, Canada. “This will enable us to carry that process forward so we’ll be, if you like, involved in speaking and debating on a number of fronts as part of this single exercise,” Minister Greenidge noted.

From the Diaspora Engagement Strategy and Action Plan Guyana will develop a Diaspora Policy.