GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The newly appointed United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot says she will use her tenure here to further support the bilateral defense partnership “that will enhance our mutual security goals, address cross-cutting threats, and advance regional security”.
Ambassador Nicole TheriotSpeaking at a welcome reception attended by President Irfaan Ali as well as Opposition leader, Aubrey Norton and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, the US diplomat said she regards the US-Guyana security partnership as “truly a model for the region.
“We want to continue to enhance and grow that relationship in the years to come,” she said adding that Washington also recognizes the unique and evolving challenges facing Caribbean countries.
“We are committed to working together on solutions through the pillars of prosperity, health, resilience, security, energy, diplomacy, and education,” she said, adding that “CARICOM has been a powerful force in improving the lives of people across the Caribbean, and Guyana has played a leading role in CARICOM’s efforts.
“I thank you for your leadership and intend to work closely with you and Secretary-General Barnett on our continued partnership towards regional advancement.”
Theriot, who the past 24 years, has represented the United States in 10 countries on four continents, including Haiti and Barbados, said he posting to Georgetown is “to reaffirm the US government’s commitment to our shared democratic values, including transparency, fairness, inclusion, and equity.
“ We all have a lot of important work to do, and together I believe we can and will address the shared challenges within our collective neighborhood, no matter how daunting they may appear.
“I’m optimistic about the future and am committed to working together to strengthen our friendship and cooperation, deepen our trade and investment relationship, and promote greater prosperity for our people,” she added.
The US diplomat told the President Ali that she was looking forward to partnering with him and the Guyana people “to advance the goal of a prosperous and safe Guyana and to build a more sustainable and secure region, with a special emphasis on energy security, food security, and climate resilience.
“The United States and Guyana enjoy 58 years of strong bilateral partnership enhanced by deep cultural and historic ties. It is my genuine privilege to further strengthen the longstanding relationship and build on the incredible work of my predecessor Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, along with that of our very capable Embassy team,” she added.
The diplomat said she was looking forward to visiting Guyana’s 10 regions “but more importantly, I want to engage directly with the Guyanese people “ adding “I want to hear your thoughts, opinions, and recommendations on how we can best work together to advance our shared priorities”.
