US Secretary of State hails Guyana as “most exciting place in the world to be right now”

United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hailed Guyana as one of the most exciting places in the world, emphasising its potential for transformational growth and reaffirming the US’s commitment to supporting its future.

” I hope you fully appreciate and understand this is one of the most exciting places in the world to be right now because you have the opportunity, at this moment, to transform this country for generations, and we want to be your partner. We want to be your partner in making that possible. We think it’s of mutual benefit to see that happen…”

“Other countries are looking to improve and make progress. This country has an opportunity to transform. And that’s rare in the history of nations, to have an opportunity for transformative change,” Secretary Rubio said during a joint press conference with President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House in Georgetown on Thursday. The US Secretary of State was on a one-day visit to Guyana as part of a three-nation Caribbean tour.

This transformative change, according to the US official, is not only in the oil and gas sector. He pointed out that while natural resources are critical, it is just the basic ingredient to allows prosperity to happen.

Rubio highlighted the growing importance of data centres and the digitisation of the economies, artificial intelligence (AI) – all of which require reliable and affordable energy in order to be a technology leader.

He also touched on the key role Guyana can play in agricultural production for not just the country but the entire region – something he says that can be done without compromising the beauty and the natural environment.

“That’s pristine,” he stated, adding, “You have an opportunity to expand in issues of ecotourism… and you have an opportunity to do that in an incredibly responsible way. I’m just touching on a few things that are opportunities before you.”

According to Rubio, this transformation will not only bring prosperity for the country but also the lives of children and future generations, which he says will look completely different in five to 10 years under current leadership.

“We just want to be a partner. Why do we want to be a partner? …We care about it because we think it creates a level of stability in the region which we share. Not just stability here, stability for your neighbours, because we believe prosperity can become contagious. Just like instability can become contagious, stability and prosperity can become contagious. It won’t just help you, it will help all of your neighbouring partners in the Caribbean Basin and the region at large, and we think that ultimately makes life in America safer and more prosperous as well. And so we wanted to look for every opportunity possible to partner with you,” the US official stated.