Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 792) recognizing the 40th
anniversary of the independence of Guyana and extending best wishes to
Guyana for peace and further progress, development, and prosperity.
The Clerk read as follows:
Whereas Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom
on May 26, 1966;
Whereas since Guyana became an independent country, the
interests of Guyana and the United States have been closely
aligned;
Whereas Guyana is a supporter and ally of the United States
in the Global War on Terror, and joins the United States in
promoting political and economic freedoms, combating poverty, crime, disease, and drugs, and promoting security, stability, and prosperity;
Whereas the bonds of association and friendship between the
peoples of the two countries have been strengthened by the
large number of Guyanese who have migrated to the United
States, where they make significant contributions to both the
United States and Guyana; and
Whereas Guyana is an integral member of the Caribbean
region and a constructive partner of the United States in
fulfilling the agenda of the Western Hemisphere: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the
40th anniversary of the independence of Guyana and extends
best wishes to Guyana for peace and further progress, development, and prosperity.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
I rise in strong support of H. Res. 792. The resolution, offered by
my good friend from New York, Mr. Meeks, congratulates the Co-operative
Republic of Guyana for reaching its 40th anniversary as an independent
nation.
H. Res. 792 is a timely and appropriate measure to let our friends in
Guyana know that we support them as they pursue a strong and
sustainable democracy. The resolution recognizes the 40th anniversary
of Guyana's independence and extends best wishes to that nation for
peace and further progress, development, and prosperity.
Guyana has been a real friend, Madam Speaker, to the U.S. and an ally
in the fight against terror. The friendship between our two nations has
been strengthened by large numbers of folks who have migrated to the
United States. Here the Guyanese diaspora makes significant
contributions to both the U.S. and Guyana. Guyana Americans are law-
abiding people who contribute to American society as good citizens
while respecting the values of our society.
Guyana joins the United States in promoting political and economic
freedoms; combating poverty, crime, disease, and drugs; and promoting
security, regional stability, and prosperity.
The government of Guyana is, as we speak, placing emphasis on every
sector of society to ensure improved efficiency, competitiveness, and
sustainable development. These policies will therefore focus on
strategies for development which expand and promote employment
opportunities, increase foreign exchange earnings and private
investment into the nation.
Guyana is an integral member of the Caribbean region and constructive
partner of the United States in fulfilling the agenda of the Western
Hemisphere, that is, promoting peace, security, democracy, and
development throughout the hemisphere.
I urge all of our Members to support this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution and
yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, let me first thank the sponsor of the this resolution, my good friend and colleague on the International Relations Committee, Congressman Meeks. He is a strong advocate, both for the Caribbean Basin and for people of African ancestry. I commend his dedication to these matters.
Madam Speaker, the short but significant history of Guyana
illustrates the benefits that accrue to a nation that respects human
rights and the rule of law, rejects the empty promises of Marxism-
Leninism, and works closely with other democratic nations.