His comments came as he addressed the `National Trade Strategy' seminar and discussion at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown last week Thursday.

Assuring that the U.S. Government, through the provision of moral support, financial and non financial assistance, has been playing a major role in the area of trade strategy development and export promotion in Guyana, he said his Government intends to continue to support many of the initiatives upon which it has embarked here, through its Agency for International Development (USAID).

"At the same time, the Government of Guyana has its own vital role to play. Foremost among these are assuring political stability and personal security", he said.

Said Mr. Godard: "There are basic requirements for significant growth in the economy and all sectors of the Guyanese society must work with the Government to assure their achievement.

"This is a very important part of creating an enabling environment to encourage domestic and foreign investment."

The Ambassador remarked that the Government also has a big job ahead, in pursuing negotiating objectives that are favourable to the private sector and the country as a whole.

He said that clearly stated goals and guidelines in the National Trade Strategy will put it well on the road to accomplishing that objective.

Speaking with reporters after, Godard agreed that Guyana obviously has a serious crime situation.

He noted that while most are of a socio-economic nature, crimes are a very complex problem, and never the result of just one factor, hence it is important for all sectors in the Guyanese society to get together and try to resolve some of these problems.

The U.S. envoy said he was heartened that the political leaders have been able to come together in an attempt to deal with the crime situation here.

"I am encouraged by what I heard from the political leaders recently in sort of coming together...I see a willingness to cooperate, but it is something that requires the broad consensus of the society," he reiterated.

He also pointed to the need for more training for the Police, as well as a reform of the judicial structure in some ways, and the need for more resources.

He cited areas in which his government has been offering assistance to the local security force.

"We've had programmes for some time, and we plan to continue to engage in programmes that will help the Police," the Ambassador said.