'Crime rate can have negative impact on investment'
-- New US envoy promises anti-crime help
by Wendella Davidson
Guyana Chronicle
August 15, 2003
"POLITICAL stability is critical to economic growth and security, and the US government stands ready to assist in strengthening Guyana's democratic institutions wherever possible, especially through the democracy programs of USAID."
So said new United States Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Guyana, Mr. Roland W. Bullen, yesterday, in remarks after presenting his 'Letters of Credence' to President Bharrat Jagdeo at a ceremony in the Credential Room, Office of the President, Vlissengen Road.
The new US envoy, who succeeds former Ambassador Ronald Godard, whose tour of duty ended early last month, said he is encouraged to hear that the security situation, which has been an area of concern to the US, is improving.
He noted that the concern is not only because of the impact the security situation has on the personnel at the US Embassy here, but also because a high crime rate can have a negative impact on foreign investment and other business interests that contribute to economic growth.
To this end, Ambassador Bullen expressed the hope that the two countries can work together with other international donors to solidify the gains that have been made against criminal elements, and to stem the flow of drugs, arms and illegal aliens across Guyana's borders.
The new US envoy said, too, he looks forwards to working with President Jagdeo and his administration, and further assured that the US Government is committed to Guyana's success and prosperity.
Ambassador Bullen, who prior to assuming the new posting was the Deputy Executive Director for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs in the State Department, and served during his Foreign Service career as Deputy Chief of Mission in Barbados and as Administrative Officer at the Embassies in Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Liberia and Belize, said he was pleased to hear that the dialogue between President Jagdeo and the opposition is continuing and that the constitutional commissions are being formed.
He posited that through democracy, Guyana should be able to accommodate the aspirations of all ethnic, racial and religious groups.
Responding, President Jagdeo, who extended a warm welcome to the new Ambassador, underscored the need for Guyana to develop partnerships with other states in the international community, based on common positions and concerns.
He said too, now more than necessary, Guyana recognizes the need for all countries to collaborate effectively to ensure that a world of peace and stability prevails, and that realization increased as a result of the recent heightened terrorist activities in the world.
Assuring the new US envoy of the full support of the Guyana Government in the execution of his duties, President Jagdeo recalled that now has a democratically elected and representative Government and a fledgling democracy that continues to be tested, with the help of former Presidents George Bush (senior) and Jimmy Carter.
He expressing the hope that the country can count on the assistance of the US Government for its consolidation and growth.
Said President Jagdeo, "We have put a high premium on honesty, open and transparent systems of government and have therefore taken several measures, including necessary legislation, to fight corruption and to restore public accountability. We also need, in Guyana, a new political culture based on an ethic of cooperation instead of confrontation.
" The nation's problems cannot be solved by street marches and mob violence. Only through dialogue and negotiation can we resolve our political differences and reach consensus on the way forward. For its part, the Government has created, through constitutional reform and the establishment of a number of Parliamentary Committees and Commissions, opportunities for consultation and consensus building. It is now up to the parties in the process to avail themselves fully of these new mechanisms," he added.
On Ambassador Bullen's observation of the many problems that now confront Guyana and a demand for swift solutions if the country is to achieve economic and social progress, President Jagdeo pointed out that in the area of crime and security, the country has "fortunately" been able to contain the upsurge in violence, which only months ago threatened to cripple our society.
He however, contended that if the country is to win the battle against arms, drugs and people trafficking, as well as ensure that the criminal deportees do not add to the problem of security, more assistance will be required from its friends, particularly the United States.
Ambassador Bullen who is married and has two sons, Peter and Mark, was accompanied at the accreditation ceremony by his wife Mrs. Hilda Cox-Bullen; Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms Betty Mc Cutchin, and US Military Attache, Major Kip Chojnacki, among others.
