Guyana ambassador honoured in Washington

Lelei LeLaulu (left) presents plaque to Ambassador
Bayney Karran

Friday, January 28, 2005

WASHINGTON, USA: Guyana's Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States, Bayney Karran has been recognised by an international organisation for his commitment to the sustainable development of the Caribbean and the Americas, and especially for his pioneering role in mobilising members of the Caribbean Diaspora to respond to the floods which have affected more than half of Guyana's population.

Lelei LeLaulu, president of Counterpart International, presented a special plaque to the Ambassador at Counterpart's Washington headquarters this week as the envoy discussed relief plans for the South American nation. Immediately after the talks, Counterpart International drew the Guyanese tragedy to the attention of InterAction, the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. 

LeLaulu hailed the work of the articulate envoy, a notable member of Guyana's broadcast fraternity, for his visionary efforts in galvanising support from Guyanese and Caribbean nationals, along with the international community. "The Ambassador has been doing double, triple, perhaps quadruple duty since this crisis begun and has masterfully rallied the troops while calling on the international community to respond now and once the floods have receded."

Ambassador Karran noted the support of the international community has been encouraging but while a lot of pledges have been made, funds are not readily available. He thanked Counterpart International for being in a position to move immediately, highlighting its leveraging capacity to expand the donations, particularly in the area of pharmaceuticals. "We anticipate that health consequences are going to result from the flooding (with) water being on the ground for such a long time, and this is going to be an area of need. For this reason and others I have outlined, the assistance from Counterpart International is going to play a very crucial role in Guyana's recovery. I take the opportunity on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana to register our appreciation and gratitude."

Counterpart has begun planning the delivery of life-protecting medical supplies to Guyana. Its team, which comprises several concerned CARICOM nationals, is working closely with the United States Agency for International Development, several NGOs in Guyana's Diaspora in the United States, and the office of Guyana's Ambassador to Washington and to the Organization of American States.

Counterpart has worked on several natural disasters. Most recently the organisation airlifted US$ 3.7 million worth of urgently needed pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to areas devastated by the tsunami in Asia. These high-valued pharmaceuticals include anti-malaria and anti-diarrhea medication as well as antibiotics to protect and strengthen tsunami survivors.  

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