Meeks Takes CODEL to Guyana to Meet with Leadership

Queens, NY - Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Vice Chair of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, and Trade Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

"This week, I traveled with a Congressional delegation to Guyana with House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairman Representative Albio Sires of New Jersey and Representative Yvette Clarke of New York.

"As Vice Chair of the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, I called for this trip because of the strategic importance of Guyana in our hemisphere. In meetings with President Granger, Foreign Minister Cummings, Justice Claudette Singh of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and People's Progressive Party Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, I underscored the importance of upholding international norms, while ensuring upcoming elections are free and fair, abiding by the rule of law. Maintaining the full confidence of the Guyanese people during upcoming elections must remain a top priority. I also emphasized, no matter the electoral result, the United States maintains a steadfast commitment to building upon the strong U.S.-Guyana relationship.

"In meetings with the Guyanese business and international community, I noted that Guyana is at a critical crossroads. I cautioned that oil wealth can evolve into a blessing or a curse, benefiting every echelon of society or the chosen few, and that petroleum revenues should spur innovation in all sectors, positively benefiting future generations."