Guyana–United States relations

Guyana-United States relations are bilateral relations between The Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the United States.

History

U.S. policy toward The Co-operative Republic of Guyana seeks to develop robust, sustainable democratic institutions, laws, and political practices; support economic growth and development; and promote stability and security. During the last years of his administration, President Hoyte sought to improve relations with the United States as part of a decision to move his country toward genuine political nonalignment. Relations also were improved by Hoyte's efforts to respect human rights, invite international observers for the 1992 elections, and reform electoral laws. The United States also welcomed the Hoyte government's economic reform and efforts, which stimulated investment and growth. The 1992 democratic elections and Guyana's reaffirmation of sound economic policies and respect for human rights have placed U.S.-Guyanese relations on an excellent footing. Under successive PPP governments, the United States and Guyana continued to improve relations. President Cheddi Jagan was committed to democracy, adopted more free market policies, and pursued sustainable development for Guyana's environment. President Jagdeo is continuing on that course, and United States maintains positive relations with the current government.

In an effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in The Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened an office at the U.S. Embassy in 2002. In January 2003, The Co-operative Republic of Guyana was named as one of only two countries in the Western Hemisphere to be included in President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. CDC, in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is administering a 5-year multi-million dollar program of education, prevention, and treatment for those infected and affected by the disease. The Co-operative Republic of Guyana is a threshold country in the Millennium Challenge Account developmental program.

U.S. military medical and engineering teams continue to conduct training exercises in Guyana, digging wells, building schools and clinics, and providing medical treatment.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials include:
* Ambassador--David M. Robinson
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Karen L. Williams (arrival January 2008)
* Political and Public Affairs Officer--Rolf Olson
* Chief, Consular Affairs--Nyda Budig
* Management Officer--David Thomas
* Regional Security Officer--Brandon Lee
* Economic and Commercial Officer--vacant
* Peace Corps Director--James Geenan
* USAID Country Director--Peter Hubbard
* Military Liaison Officer--Lt. Col Steven D. Stanley
* CDC Country Director--Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck

Diplomatic missions

The U.S. Embassy in Guyana is located in Georgetown.

See also

*Union of South American Nations
*Free Trade Area of the Americas
*Third Border Initiative
*Caribbean Community
*Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
*Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act
*Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
* Foreign relations of the United States
* Foreign relations of Guyana

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1984.htm#relations]

External links

* [http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1133.html The United States Department of State] - The Co-Operative Republic of Guyana
* [http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/ The Embassy of the United States of America]