Ambassador Bayney R. Karran today presented credentials as Guyana’s new Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States, hailing the organisation’s commitment to the principles of democracy and good governance. He underscored his country’s willingness to continue to cooperate with the organisation to strengthen and deepen these principles throughout the Americas.

In delivering his credentials to Secretary General César Gaviria, Ambassador Karran stressed that the OAS’ commitment to democratic governance is particularly important to Guyana, and he further pledged to cooperate with the OAS and its member states and organs, “for a vibrant and relevant organisation.“Among benefits to Guyana, he cited the crucial role the hemispheric organisation played in that country’s landmark 1992 general elections, which, he said, “ushered in a democratic era for Guyana.“He said although Guyana is a relatively new member of the OAS - having joined in 1990 - its commitment to regional multilateralism and to the organisation’s work is a matter of record. Noting Guyana’s “deep and abiding interest in the social and development agenda,” Ambassador Karran made particular mention of such cooperation initiatives as the poverty-alleviation programs being undertaken by the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD), the technical assistance arm of the OAS.The Secretary General welcomed the new Guyanese envoy, telling him about the many new hemispheric and international challenges before the organisation, including an expanded agenda. He also praised Guyana’s active and dynamic role in the OAS.Prior to his current post, Ambassador Karran served as his country’s resident Ambassador in Venezuela, with accreditations to Ecuador, Chile and Colombia.He holds a law degree from the University of Guyana and the University of the West Indies and established his private law practice before entering the diplomatic arena.
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