Brooklyn, NY – House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued a statement today regarding his meeting with Guyanese President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and a delegation of government officials from the [Cooperative] Republic of Guyana. The meeting included several congressional members with expertise in foreign affairs, finance, security, and other critical issues to the Western Hemisphere and the Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn and across the United States.
The discussions during the meeting revolved around several pressing topics, with a focus on regional and energy security. Climate change emerged as a critical issue, and both leaders emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive society in Guyana. They emphasised the necessity of full economic participation and civic engagement by Guyanese-Africans and Guyanese-Indians. Electoral reform and the strengthening of democratic institutions were also high on the agenda. The meeting underscored the need to enhance access to banking and financial services in the Caribbean region.
In the coming weeks, a delegation of House Members, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, will meet with leaders of the Guyanese opposition party to sustain the dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the Republic of Guyana and other nations within the African diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.
The leaders intend to encourage both the government and the opposition to collaborate effectively to ensure that all Guyanese citizens, regardless of race or ethnicity, can benefit from the ongoing economic growth in the South American nation.
Notable members in attendance during the meeting included:
- Rep. Maxine Waters: Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services
- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks: Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services
- Rep. Steven Horsford: Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Financial Services Committee; Member, Armed Services Committee
- Rep. Yvette D. Clarke: First Vice Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; Member, Committee on Homeland Security
- Rep. Stacey Plaskett: Ranking Member, Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government; Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
This meeting reflects the commitment of leaders to foster dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of the Republic of Guyana and the broader African diaspora in the Western Hemisphere.
