Speaker looks forward to more US support for Parliament

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 June 2014, 21:07 by GxMedia

House Speaker, Raphael Trotman (left) and US Ambassador, Brent Hardt

House Speaker, Raphael Trotman on Tuesday hoped that the new American Ambassador to Guyana would support the work of the Parliament.

That desire was expressed to outgoing United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. D. Brent Hardt,when he formally bade farewell to Trotman at a courtesy call on Tuesday, 17th June, 2014 in the Speaker’s Chambers of the Public Buildings. 

Speaker Trotman thanked the outgoing Ambassador for his support and involvement in the efforts to strengthen and broaden Guyana’s parliamentary democracy. Speaker Trotman also shared his expectations that the new Ambassador to be appointed will continue the work of Ambassador Hardt enjoy similar cooperation and support from the Parliament.

During this visit, Speaker Trotman noted the American Government’s desire to support the promotion of understanding and consensus building; whilst encouraging greater citizen engagement and the strengthening of other democratic values of the institution.
On a related subject, Ambassador Hardt took the opportunity to update the Speaker on matters pertaining to the negotiations being held with the Government of Guyana on the LEAD Program and expressed his hope that the program would be re-started in the very near future.

At the meeting, the Speaker and the outgoing Ambassador discussed the Ambassador’s new post; the establishment of a Parliamentary Women’s Steering Committee of the Parliament of Guyana, and their respective positions on LBGT legislation, among other things.
Ambassador Hardt and Speaker Trotman are both alumni of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and also took the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, and their regret at the departure.