Talks continue between Gov’t, US on LEAD Project

 

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon has advised that talks are continuing between the Government of Guyana and the United States Ambassador Brent Hardt with regards to the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID), Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project.

The controversial project, which was being implemented by USAID despite Government’s non-approval, was recently put on hold to facilitate discussions between the two-sides with a view to having a re-engagement of the project at a later date.

“We continue to meet,” Dr. Luncheon said at a media conference about the engagement, whilst re-establishing that the engagement is one that is being undertaken by both sides, in good faith.

He noted this is evident by the US’s pledge to cease implementation of activities under the Lead project and on the Government’s side, its undertaking to withdraw its disapproval of the project in its entirety.

In July 2013, the US launched the LEAD project without the formal sanction of the Guyana Government and went ahead implementing various aspects.

The US Government on April 30 conveyed its willingness to temporarily suspend the project’s implementation.