During a two-day visit to Georgetown, Guyana, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman met with senior Guyanese governmental, civil society, and business leaders to discuss ways USAID can continue to support inclusive economic growth, shared prosperity, and good governance in one of the world's fastest growing economies.
In a meeting with President Irfaan Ali, Deputy Administrator Coleman expressed appreciation for Guyana's leadership within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and at the UN Security Council, and discussed a broad range of issues including methods of promoting inclusive growth and skills development. The two leaders also discussed regional migration, rule of law, and Venezuela's upcoming election, as well as ways to further deepen the U.S.-Guyana relationship.
In a meeting with Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Deputy Administrator Coleman reaffirmed USAID's commitment to partnering with Guyananese leaders and organizations to advance inclusive economic growth, including our support to catalyze international financing for SMEs. The Deputy Administrator and Foreign Secretary also discussed continued collaboration around food security and addressing the impacts of climate change under the U.S. Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030).
Deputy Administrator Coleman also met with leading members of Guyanese opposition parties and civil society leaders, noting that USAID views civil society and open political debate as essential building blocks of democracy and development. She listened to their views on citizens' involvement in local and national governance. She also participated in a roundtable discussion with U.S. government counterparts and Guyanese business leaders to discuss trade, labor needs, and investment challenges, as well as opportunities in Guyana and the Caribbean region.
During a meeting with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr. Carla Barnett, the Deputy Administrator commended CARICOM's leadership in regional security matters, and economic integration to drive resilience and development. She reaffirmed USAID's commitment to partnering with CARICOM to address shared priorities, including climate change and cybersecurity.
During her time in Georgetown, Deputy Administrator Coleman delivered remarks at the Caribbean Investment Forum, highlighting USAID's support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and reiterating the need for private sector investment to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth. At the Forum, she announced $1.45 million in new funding to expand USAID's Economic Development Accelerator - which presently supports small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Guyana - to additional SMEs in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, helping Caribbean entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new markets.
