U.S. Congressional Black Caucus applauds Dr. Ali’s vision, voice in international diplomacy

President Irfaan Ali’s vision for Guyana and his growing influence in the international community were Thursday hailed by members of the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington D.C during a dinner meeting held within the precincts of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Congresswoman for Texas Sheila Jackson Lee presented the Guyanese leader with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, saying his leadership is exemplary in the world.

Also, part of the meeting was Congressman Gregory Meeks from New York where one of the largest Guyanese diasporas resides.

Meeks said it was a “fantastic” and “very important” meeting.

“He is an individual that has a vision of how to make sure tomorrow is better than toady and how to bring all Guyana together.

“He is working with other countries on agriculture to ensure people are not starving and hungry,” Meeks said in brief remarks.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee was more impressed with Dr. Ali’s voice in diplomacy. She said diplomacy remained the cornerstone of the world’s survival and no other weapon has proven better to generate peace and security.

“I’m proud of this kind of legacy and future you are planting for the future of your people.

“I applaud you and I’m delighted to meet you,” she said.

The meeting was held in part of the Speaker’s room and Congresswoman Jackson Lee brought greetings from Democrat Nancy Pelosi of California.

The certificate presented spoke of Dr. Ali’s leadership at home and his fight for democracy.

“This is more than a dinner; it’s an affirmation of our mutual love for democracy and treating people you represent with highest the level of dignity and empathy.

“What I see in you is kind of leadership that can go into many doors around the world… we want to ensure that you are well recognised,” the Congresswoman added.

Dr. Ali held several meetings in Washington on Thursday, including with Secretary of Energy, Jennifer M. Granholm, Democratic Senator Corey Booker, US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, Democrat ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Tim Kaine and Florida Senator Republican Marco Rubio.

Earlier this week he met with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves, representatives from USAID and the U.S EXIM Bank where an agreement was signed to make available US$2B in funding for development projects in Guyana.