RESPONSE TO ACCREDITATION SPEECH BY H.E. STEPHEN HISCOCK,
HIGH COMMISSIONER DESIGNATE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND. - AUGUST 28TH, 2002

Excellency,
In receiving the letters of Recall of your distinguished predecessor and a dear friend of Guyana, I am pleased to accept the Letters of Credence by which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accredits you as High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Guyana.
In reviewing our relations, we recognise that the significant progress our country has recorded so far could not have been attained without the support of countries like the United Kingdom. In this regard I wish to acknowledge the significant assistance received particularly in areas such as debt relief, criminal justice system, water and sanitation and secondary education sectors and through the VSO support programme. Indeed, the continued interest of Her Majesty’s Government in supporting our requests for assistance is ample testimony of its commitment to contributing to our development programmes.
I wish to also acknowledge the support of the British Government that we have received at various international fora and institutions, especially the Multilateral Financial institutions.
My Government remains committed to providing a decent standard of living for our people, within a climate that is conducive to the promotion of economic growth and the preservation and strengthening of our democratic institutions.

Excellency,
Your appointment has come at a time when we are endeavouring to deepen our cooperation at all levels in order to accomplish the tasks we have set ourselves. I look forward with anticipation, during your second tour of duty in Guyana, to witnessing continued efforts towards deepening the existing friendly relations which we have continuously nurtured through the years.
In bidding you a warm and cordial welcome, I wish to assure you of the full cooperation of my Government in making your tenure as High Commissioner both pleasant and rewarding.

Thank you.