US Congressional Delegation Engages Minister Raphael Trotman and Team On Matters of Mutual Interest
Yesterday, August 22, 2018, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, MP, and a team comprising Mr. Stanley Ming, Chairman of.GGMC, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, National Coordinator of GYEITI, Ms. Pradeepa Bolonauth, Head of Planning and Development Unit of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Ms. Beverly Alert and Ms. Shondell France of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ms. Sondra Cheong, Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with a delegation of US Congressmen led by Representative Hon. Robert Goodlatte, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Distinguished Members – Hon. John Rutherford, Hon. Mark Sanford, Hon. John Curtis, Hon. Todd Rokita, Hon. Richard Hudson, Hon. Steve Cohen and Hon. Scott Peters
Members of the Congressional staff and senior members of the US armed forces were also in attendance. US Ambassador, H.E. Perry Holloway accompanied the delegation.
Discussions were held on a range of subjects that addressed Guyanese and American business interests and the Government of Guyana’s plans for the imminent production of petroleum and beyond.
In introductory remarks, Minister Trotman noted the cordial relationship shared by Guyana and the US and the interdependence of the two nations. “We are not unaware of the high geo-strategic value that our relationship with the United States offers both our countries, and this government intends to preserve it – even as we enjoy good relations with others. In our view however, that with the United States of America is most favoured and it is to be preserved,” Trotman said.
The Minister gave an overview of the work of the Ministry of Natural Resources and its related Agencies and was also able to address questions and concerns of a national security nature. Other members of the Ministry’s team responded to questions posed by the Congressmen on a number of issues on forestry, the environment, agro-processing and infrastructure.
This is the first time in more than three decades that a member of the US Congress has visited Guyana and the first time for such a large delegation.
The delegation was introduced to twenty-five (25) youths participating in the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Youth in Natural Resources Programme. The programme is currently in its third week.
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