US democracy in Guyana project on hold for talks
US democracy in Guyana project on hold for talks
By BERT WILKINSON, Associated Press | May 8, 2014 | Updated: May 8, 2014 4:29pm
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — A U.S.-funded program aimed at improving the democratic process in Guyana has been suspended amid complaints from the South American government, officials said Thursday.
The Leadership and Democracy Project will be put on hold while U.S. and Guyanese officials discuss the scope and intention of the program. Cabinet Secretary Roger Luncheon and U.S. Ambassador Brendt Hardt announced the suspension at a joint news conference in Georgetown.
The ambassador said the United States was "prepared to modify and adjust" the program based upon its discussions with Guyanese officials.
U.S. officials have said the program, funded with $1.25 million over two years from the U.S. Agency for International Development, is intended to promote consensus-building in the politically divided country. It would involve, among other things, public education efforts aimed at encouraging democratic participation, especially by women and young people, and helping support long-delayed local elections in the country.
More:
http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/US-democracy-in-Guyana-project-on-hold-for-talks-5463530.php
