CARICOM Congratulates Guyana’s New President

GEORGETOWN, Guyana CMC – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping says it is looking forward to the “fresh ideas and perspectives” that Guyana will bring to the 15-member regional integration movement, following the electoral victory of David Granger on Monday.
Granger, who was sworn in as the country’s eighth head of state on Saturday, replacing Donald Ramotar, led the coalition alliance of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) to victory in both the regional and general elections.
In his congratulatory message, CARICOM Chairman and Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie told Granger “the electorate has reposed their confidence in you and your coalition of parties, to carry them forward in their quest for sustainable development and continued improvement in their standard of living. CARICOM stands ready to support you and your government in this regard.
“As a founding member of CARICOM and its headquarters country, Guyana plays a critical role in the integration movement. We look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives which you, Mr. President and your Government, will bring to the strengthening and solidifying of our Community.
“My colleague Heads of Government and I look forward to personally welcoming you, Mr. President

His Excellency President, David Granger, during his meeting with CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during a meeting which was held at the Office of the President. Photo courtesy of GINA.

, to the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, at the soonest possible opportunity,” he added.
CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque also said he is anticipating “the fresh ideas and views” that Granger “will bring to assist in advancing the interests of the Community and its people.”
In a letter to President Granger congratulating him and the coalition victory, La Rocque said the coalition had been given a mandate by the people of Guyana “to lead them towards greater prosperity and to further the development of the country”.
He assured President Granger that CARICOM and its Secretariat stood ready to work with his administration in this task.
President Granger has also received congratulations from the United States, which said it hoped he would work to repair the divisions in Guyanese society which emerged during the election period and, “will work to promote inclusive governance and national development in the best interests of all of the people of Guyana.
“The United States of America pledges its willingness to work collaboratively with the new government in this regard.”
Former US President Jimmy Carter also extended congratulations to President Granger.
“I have great expectations that the new government will reach out and promote healing and reconciliation in Guyana. It is now time for all Guyanese to unite and work together to realise the great potential of their country,” he said.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) complimented Granger on “a well fought campaign which focused on uniting the people of Guyana, and for the promise of an inclusionary government which ensures that the needs of all the people are met.”
The business organization expressed confidence that the new government will encourage private investment and support the private sector “as it continues to strive for the creation of jobs and the overall development of our country”.