– after damp touchdown in Guyana
On Thursday evening, United States (US) Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo touched down in Guyana on schedule for a two-day visit to discuss the impact of the crisis in Venezuela, maritime patrol, infrastructure investment and more.
He arrived in Guyana with his US delegation just after 17:00 hours at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and was greeted by United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd.
“What a pleasure to be in Guyana, the ‘land of many waters’. We enjoy a strong relationship with Guyana, and look forward to working with the new democratically elected government to expand prosperity and security for our people,” Pompeo tweeted upon his arrival.
He then travelled to State House, in the presence of high local security, to meet with members of the Government and other advisors. At State House, President Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali welcomed the Secretary of State.
A State dinner was hosted for the visiting US Delegation by His Excellency, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali at State House. Pompeo is Guyana’s highest-ranking US official to visit since independence.
He was at the forefront of calls by the international community, which had demanded that the previous David Granger administration leave office following the disputed March 2, 2020 elections. While the Government rolled out the red carpet for Pompeo’s arrival with the state newspaper hailing it “a celebration of democracy”, not all were pleased with the matters up for discussion during the visit.
The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) stated on Thursday: “The WPA feels compelled to warn the Guyana government against entangling our country in the US-Venezuela conflict. It is a high-risk endeavor that is pregnant with outcomes that would be detrimental to Guyana’s territorial integrity and the country’s security, including its economic security. While we fully understand that having benefited from regime change, the PPP government is under pressure to repay its benefactors, Guyana’s safety is too high a price to pay.”
Meanwhile, ahead of Pompeo’s visit, President Ali’s Adviser on Borders, Ralph Ramkarran, had warned that military interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela could further risk Guyana’s territorial integrity.
“In order to protect Guyana’s territorial integrity, Guyana cannot be seen to be making war, or assisting anyone to make war, on Venezuela. Guyana is simply too vulnerable,” Ramkarran, a former Speaker of the National Assembly, said on Tuesday.
Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, and according to the Government Adviser, it is important for Guyana to maintain its initial position when treating with the Spanish speaking country – that is, non-interference in its internal affairs.
