As the term of US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, nears it end, a farewell reception was hosted for her at the US Embassy in Georgetown on the evening of Friday, May 19th, 2023. There, President Ali heaped high praises on Lynch and promised her that Guyana will remain united and committed to democracy and rule of law.
Sarah Ann Lynch’s term as US Ambassador to Guyana began on January 7th, 2019 under the then APNU/AFC administration. Nevertheless, Lynch was instrumental in removing the APNU/AFC from government after they lost the elections in March 2020 but refused for 5 months to concede defeat. During this period, Lynch put pressure on the APNU/AFC government to facilitate a democratic transition of power by coordinating with fellow diplomats from other countries and relaying critical information to the US government. The United States’ threat of sanctions on “persons responsible for obstructing democracy,” was perhaps the straw that broke the camel’s back and forced former President Granger to concede defeat on August 2nd, 2020.
President Ali’s words of praise and thankfulness to Lynch then is not to taken lightly as his government sees the Ambassador as playing a critical role in saving Guyana from another era of dictatorship.
Sarah Ann Lynch is expected to be replaced by Nicole Theriot sometime this year. The exact date of the transition is not known at this time. Lynch will continue to serve until Theriot arrives.
Full Statement from the Office of the President
His Excellency President Irfaan Ali called US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch a tower of strength and inspiration and credited her brilliance for bolstering the relations between Guyana and the US over the last few years.
In his farewell address to the Ambassador at a special reception at her residence on the evening of Friday, 19th of May, 2023, the President highlighted her “results-oriented and results-driven” attitude and noted that she has been integral in advancing common values and democracy while deepening the friendship of the nations.
He also highlighted her input in promoting the US private sector in Guyana which is participating “fully in the development that is unfolding,” and enhancing security cooperation between the two countries that has resulted in historical levels of coordination and collaboration on the security front.
The Head of State also lauded her respect for Guyanese culture and customs and her heartfelt drive for a better Guyana.
He told the Ambassador that by 2030, she would look back at the country and be proud because she will “see a people bounded together in strength and harmony and united in purpose.”
“You leave a country on the rise, you leave a people in the hopeful arms of prosperity, you leave a Government and people completely devoted to democracy and the rule of law. You leave a Guyana that you will look back at in the next eight years and be proud of, because what you will see is a strong, united, One Guyana.”
Ministers of Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the Opposition and other invited guests were also at the farewell ceremony.
