The opposition A Partnership for National Unity, today tore into the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, over her glowing review of the Irfaan Ali Administration, and her conclusion that Guyanese are benefiting from the country’s oil wealth.

During her recent appearance on SOURCES, the U.S Ambassador credited the Irfaan Ali Administration for turning the country’s oil wealth into national development, as she pointed to ongoing infrastructural projects across the country.

Ambassador Theriot said from where she stands, it is evident that the “current leadership of this country has the Guyanese people’s best interests at heart.”

But during a press conference today at Congress Place, PNC Reform Leader and APNU Chairman, Aubrey Norton, pushed back against the sentiments expressed by the U.S Ambassador.

He contended that the U.S Ambassador in showering the Ali Administration with praises, is simply pursuing the interest of the U.S.

“We are aware that the Ambassador must pursue her government’s interests and at present the US interest is being promoted above Guyana’s by the PPP/C regime and therefore she is happy with its present posture. The APNU wishes to remind the Irfaan Ali regime that the US does not have permanent friends, only permanent interests and that Guyana needs to recognize this fact and act appropriately,” Norton said.

Added to that, he said the APNU has taken note of the reemergence of US interest and involvement in the oil sector in Venezuela, adding that this fact should influence the country’s foreign policy.

Norton said while the coalition welcomes the support of the U.S Government in addressing the legitimate concerns of the Guyanese people, it is unfortunate that the Ambassador supports a regime that continually refuses to address gaps and flaws within the country’s electoral system like the need for voter biometrics and a clean voters list.

He said recommendations for electoral reform as put forward by the international community, especially those of the EU Election Observation Mission, have been brushed aside.

Norton questioned whether the US has abandoned its commitment to its democratic principles, and its commitment to root out corruption.

“We ask the question; has the US government abandoned its desire to see the back of corruption by supporting a government categorized by reputable transparency and accountability international agencies as one of the most corrupt in the world? The Latest Global Indices (2023 – 2025) noted on Guyana Effectiveness Report that Guyana scores 40 and is ranked 87 out of 180 countries and is givens a C- grade on corruption. The APNU has no doubt that the US has diplomatic panache and therefore respectfully submits that foreign diplomats should not appear to validate an incumbent administration in a way that brushes aside the legitimate concerns of the Guyanese people, especially at a time when the US government is fighting drugs and drug trafficking and many previously and presently associated with the corrupt PPP/C regime are under US security enforcement radar,” Norton told reporters.

Contending that the PPP/C regime has failed to act in the interest of the Guyanese people, Norton said the coalition’s position is based on evidence of every day life, the increase in poverty, the absence of public accountability, the infrequent convening of the National Assembly and the paucity of positive national outcomes, .

He said the U.S Ambassador ought to be reminded that the Government, at the level of the Public Accounts Committee, diminished public accountability when it changed the legislation governing the committee. 

“Yes, roads and bridges matter. Our Manifesto speaks clearly of the importance and our own plans on infrastructure. But government cannot continue to sell a theory of development in which physical infrastructure alone is proof of national progress, albeit poorly done public infrastructure while elevated levels of poverty persist in Guyana. The same week that the US Ambassador was making her comments, Guyanese were dealing with serious flooding in Georgetown and surrounding communities. A government that cannot keep communities better protected ahead of the rainy season cannot simply ask the nation to admire concrete and asphalt,” Norton said.

Underscoring the importance of the adherence of the rule of law, and people centered initiatives, Norton said the coalition will continue to advocate for cohesive development policies that will benefit the Guyanese people.

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