Declaring that American companies are committed to Guyana’s long-term development, US Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot on Wednesday night said US businesses are “not just here to extract and leave like some other countries,” but are investing in the country’s future by creating jobs, transferring skills and supporting sustainable development.
Delivering remarks at the US Embassy’s “Freedom 250” reception at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel to commemorate 250 years of American independence, Theriot said the United States sees Guyana as a long-term partner and highlighted what she described as the deepening relationship between the two countries across security, healthcare, education, business and innovation.
“US businesses, at their best, do not just create profit; they create opportunity,” the ambassador said, pointing to the operations of ExxonMobil and other American companies in Guyana.
She noted that ExxonMobil has employed more than 5,000 Guyanese workers and, together with its affiliates, has approved investments exceeding US$42 billion in Guyana.
“US companies are not just here to extract and leave like some other countries. They’re here for the long haul, training Guyanese workers and investing in a Guyana that will be even stronger a generation from now,” Theriot declared.
ExxonMobil has been the subject of longstanding criticism here over the terms of its 2016 Production Sharing Agreement with Guyana.
The ambassador added that American investment extends well beyond the oil and gas sector, citing partnerships involving the Mount Sinai Health System, 19Labs, Northwell Health, LINC, and the University of Miami, which are supporting healthcare transformation, telemedicine, cancer care, maternal and child health, and medical infrastructure development.
According to the ambassador, US companies continue to invest in Guyana because they see “a country with extraordinary potential and a government committed to smart, strategic and sustainable development.”
Beyond investment, Theriot emphasized the close security partnership between Georgetown and Washington, noting that Guyana has become a founding member of both the Shield Initiative and the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition.
She referenced U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Guyana earlier this year, during which a landmark Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation was signed.
Recalling Rubio’s remarks, Theriot said he had made clear that “any attack on Guyana would be a very bad idea,” describing that statement as “not just a statement, but a commitment.”
The ambassador also highlighted ongoing US-funded projects to strengthen the Guyana Defence Force’s communications capabilities and training programmes for the Guyana Police Force in criminal investigations, forensic science and counter-narcotics operations.
She further pointed to the long-standing educational relationship between the two countries, praising Guyanese who have benefited from US exchange programmes before returning home to contribute to national development.
Theriot also recognized the work of Peace Corps volunteers, noting that they have delivered thousands of science lessons, trained teachers and helped improve digital learning opportunities in schools across Guyana.
The ambassador said the United States and Guyana are united by a shared commitment to building “a better future for our people,” adding that the partnership is making both countries “safer, stronger and more prosperous.”
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