OPINION: A new dawn for Guyana

Last Updated on Sunday, 7 September 2025, 9:39 by Writer

By former UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, and former U.S. Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

We write today as former diplomatic representatives to Guyana, having had the immense privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable journey of this nation. From our unique vantage point, we have seen Guyana’s resilience, its spirit, and its unwavering commitment to democratic principles tested and, ultimately, strengthened. We wish to offer our heartfelt congratulations on the successful conduct of the latest national and regional elections.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) deserves commendation for, as it seems to us, overseeing a process that was free, fair, and credible. The professionalism and dedication of GECOM’s staff working in partnership with domestic and international observers, ensured that every vote was counted with transparency and integrity. This is a significant achievement and a testament to the growth of Guyana’s democratic institutions since our time in the country. The lessons of the past have clearly been learned, and the commitment to upholding the will of the people has been demonstrated.

Equally deserving of praise are the Guyanese people themselves. The election was a peaceful event, with citizens showing a deep respect for the democratic process. Voters lined up patiently to cast their ballots, demonstrating a profound sense of civic duty and a collective desire for a stable and prosperous future. This peaceful conduct sends a powerful message to the world: Guyana is a mature democracy, one where political differences can be resolved through dialogue and the ballot box, not through conflict.

With the election now in the rearview mirror, the opportunities ahead for Guyana are immense. The nation stands at a pivotal moment in its history, poised to leverage its burgeoning oil and gas wealth to create a prosperous future for all Guyanese. This is the moment to invest strategically in a diverse and resilient economy, moving beyond dependence on a single resource.

The newly-elected government has the chance to continue to prioritise and accelerate investments in critical infrastructure, from roads, bridges and ports, to schools and hospitals, ensuring that the benefits of this economic boom reach every corner of the country. And reach every corner of the country they must.

Moreover, this is an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that prosperity is shared. By investing in education, healthcare, and job creation, the government can empower a new generation of Guyanese to participate fully in their nation’s success. It is also the time to double down on transparency and good governance, ensuring that the country’s wealth is managed responsibly for the benefit of all citizens, present and future.

We are excited to watch as Guyana seizes this moment. The world is watching too, and seeing a nation that is not only rich in natural resources, but also in human potential and democratic values. Guyana must grasp the opportunity it has with both hands – for the benefit of every single citizen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Congratulations, Guyana!

About the authors

Greg Quinn OBE is a former British diplomat who has served in Estonia, Ghana, Belarus, Iraq, Washington DC (seconded to the State Department), Kazakhstan, Guyana (as High Commissioner), Suriname (as Ambassador), The Bahamas (as High Commissioner), Canada (as Consul General Toronto and Calgary), and Antigua and Barbuda (as resident British Commissioner) in addition to stints in London. He now runs his own government relations, business development and crisis management consultancy – Aodhan Consultancy Ltd (www.aodhaninc.co.uk).

Sarah-Ann Lynch is the former U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and the Secretary of State’s Representative to CARICOM. She most recently served as the Civilian Deputy to the Commander and Senior Foreign Policy Advisor at U.S. Southern Command. As a career member of the U.S. foreign service, Ambassador Lynch (ret.) served across the globe in South Asia, South America and the Middle East as well as in Washington, D.C. She is now an independent consultant as well as a senior advisor to multiple organizations.