By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Presidential Advisor on Governance Gail Teixeira announced on Thursday (February 13) that a meeting will be held within the coming days (in the new week) between the Government and Officials from the United States embassy in Georgetown.
The meeting is in relation to government’s objection to the US funded Leadership and Democracy Project which is reportedly still being implemented despite Government’s objection to its design.
Teixeira pointed out however, that there has been no word (officially or unofficially) from the US Authorities that the implementation of the project has been halted as requested by the administration.
The Government had written to the US Ambassador, Brent Hardt seeking clarification following reports that aspects of the rejected USAID Leadership and Democracy Project was still being implement, despite the administration’s objection.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon at a press briefing in January said that a response from the embassy neither indicated that Government’s concerns were noted or that the project will be abandoned but rather called on the administration to engage the US in discussions on the project to which the Government agreed.
The administration had asked however, that while these engagements are being held the project should be put on hold.
The two Parliamentary Political Parties – APNU, AFC – has since joined in condemning Government’s rejection of the USAID funded Leadership and democracy Project.
The parties in separate statements registered their support for the position taken by the US Government and say it looks forward to the positive contribution it will provide to enhanced leadership and democracy in Guyana.
The Project which has been the subject of much debate over the last few months also received the support of the private sector, namely the PSC and GCCI who also endorsed its implementation.
Government has particularly objected to the design of the project around which the discussions are expected to be held.
