By Mark DaCosta- The United States Embassy in Georgetown has confirmed the suspension of all USAID (United States Agency for International Development) programmes in Guyana. This development comes amid the ongoing review of U.S foreign aid policies under President Donald Trump’s directive. However, the announcement contradicts a statement made by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who claimed that no such freeze had been reported in Guyana. Jagdeo’s assertion — “we have not received any report about any aid being frozen to Guyana” — is not only misleading but also false, considering the embassy’s official confirmation of the halt. The statement also suggests a dangerous attempt to mislead the public.
Jagdeo’s response at a press conference appeared designed to downplay the issue, raising doubts about the seriousness of the situation. His persistent efforts to align himself with President Trump’s administration, including his repeated praise of the U.S. president, now seem more like an attempt to ingratiate himself with the U.S. leader in a time of growing political and economic challenges for Guyana. But such misleading statements are concerning, particularly as they may lead to a lack of proper understanding regarding the gravity of the situation at hand.
USAID, the agency responsible for delivering U.S. foreign assistance, has been a longstanding partner in Guyana’s development under previous democratic and normal U.S. administrations. The agency’s mission was focused on promoting economic growth, improving healthcare, supporting democratic governance, and reducing poverty. USAID has funded critical programmes in Guyana for many years, addressing urgent challenges such as food security, healthcare access, and economic inequality.
USAID has been an essential player in Guyana’s development by working alongside the government, civil society, and local businesses. This work has helped strengthen democratic institutions, reduce maternal and child mortality, and promote economic diversification.
The decision to freeze foreign assistance programmes, including those funded by USAID, is a direct result of Trump’s Executive Order signed on January 20, 2025. The Executive Order mandates a 90-day pause to evaluate U.S. foreign aid spending, assessing whether the current distribution of foreign assistance aligns with the US’ “America First” policy. While the policy review is underway, all USAID programs in Guyana are halted, and no new funding will be allocated.
According to the US Embassy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a directive on January 24, 2025, suspending foreign assistance activities worldwide. This message was sent to all US diplomatic posts, including the one in Georgetown, informing them that all programmes funded by or through the State Department and USAID would be paused for the duration of the review.
The suspension covers grants programmes, and any new funding allocations unless a specific waiver is approved by the Secretary of State. The embassy stressed that the review process is designed to ensure that foreign assistance programmes are not only effective but also aligned with the Trump administration’s broader foreign policy goals.
In line with this directive, USAID has already notified its grant recipients in Guyana to cease all activities under their awards. These notifications also instructed organisations to refrain from incurring additional costs during the review period. The embassy made it clear that no further action could be taken regarding these projects until further guidance was issued.
The scope of the suspension also raised concerns regarding the impact on essential services. While “lifesaving” programs related to public health are expected to continue, it remains unclear which specific initiatives are included under this exemption. Programmes aimed at combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and severe malnutrition, along with maternal and child health interventions, are among the areas reportedly still eligible for continuation. However, the lack of clarity surrounding the details of these exceptions has left many aid agencies in Guyana uncertain about which of their activities will be allowed to proceed.
This freeze could have long-lasting consequences for Guyana. USAID’s support has been crucial in areas such as healthcare, security, and economic development. For instance, USAID’s funding has been instrumental in improving Guyana’s healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and providing essential medical supplies. Furthermore, USAID has supported local businesses and entrepreneurs, helping to foster economic diversification, reduce dependence on traditional industries, and create new job opportunities. Additionally, USAID’s support for strengthening democratic governance and promoting transparency has contributed to the overall stability and growth of our country’s political system.
For many in Guyana, these programs represent a lifeline. The suspension of USAID-funded initiatives raises the spectre of unmet needs in critical sectors, from education and healthcare to infrastructure development. With the freeze still in effect, there is growing concern about the inability of local organisations and businesses to continue their work without the vital financial backing of U.S. foreign assistance.
The freeze on foreign assistance also poses a threat to Guyana’s security, particularly in its ongoing battle against transnational crime, including drug trafficking. The U.S. has long been a partner in strengthening the capacity of Guyana’s law enforcement agencies, providing funding for training, equipment, and intelligence sharing. The suspension of military aid could undermine these efforts, leaving Guyana vulnerable to external threats such as that from Venezuela.
The reality is that Guyana’s critical development programmes, supported by USAID, have been put on hold, leaving vulnerable communities at risk. While Jagdeo continues his attempts to align himself with the Trump administration, the people of Guyana are left to face the consequences of this foreign aid freeze, which could stymie efforts to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges. The uncertainty surrounding the resumption of these programmes only heightens the need for transparency and accurate information from the government during this difficult time.
