PRESS RELEASE
Today, Tuesday, August 3, 2021, His Excellency Samuel Hinds, Ambassador of Guyana to the Untied States of America, presented his Credentials to His Excellency Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of the OAS, during a virtual ceremony in which he was accredited Guyana’s Fifth Permanent Representative to the OAS. Guyana joined the OAS in 1991.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hinds highlighted that his appointment comes at a time when the world is faced with the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and other socio-economic challenges that threaten the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Ambassador acknowledged the efforts of the OAS in advocating for vaccines and fostering partnerships to address the persistent health and socio-economic consequences of the pandemic.
Further, Ambassador Hinds reiterated the Government of Guyana’s firm commitment to upholding the principles upon which the OAS was founded: democracy, human rights, multidimensional security and integral development. Similarly, he reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the rule of law, the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights, support for the principles of good governance and equitable and inclusive sustainable development, which are all critical to peace and stability, nationally and internationally.
Ambassador Hinds also expressed his appreciation to Secretary-General Almagro for the support received during the prolonged March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Ambassador Hinds has had a career working in Guyana, beginning at the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1967 and staying on after its nationalization in 1971, unto 1992 following which he served as Prime Minister and Vice President of Guyana from 1992 to 2015. Ambassador Hinds also served as Executive President of Guyana from March to December 1997, following the passing of former President Dr. Cheddie B. Jagan.
Ambassador Hinds attended the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada (1963-1967) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, and is also the holder of an Honorary Doctorate of Science (1994) from that University. Ambassador Hinds therefore brings to his new post, a wealth of experience having served in the highest offices of Government and looks forward to the further strengthening of the extant relations between Guyana and the United States, as well as with the Organization of American States.
The OAS is the principal forum for political dialogue in this hemisphere. As a member of the OAS, Guyana values multilateralism and the role being played by the Organization in promoting its four pillars – democracy and good governance; the promotion and protection of human rights; the pursuit of integral, sustainable and equitable development; and the multidimensional security needs of countries.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
August 3, 2021
