Prime Minister Mark Phillips yesterday received a courtesy visit from the President of the National Bar Association of the United States of America, Carlos Moore, and a delegation from that organization.
The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, briefed the delegation on his government’s “inclusive approach” to development and commitment to the rule of law, including the strengthening of the country’s democratic systems.
“Since taking office, we have implemented our manifesto in an inclusive manner,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Phillips said his government’s focus was also on strengthening justice systems and a series of socio-economic initiatives, including a strong housing program, job creation and infrastructure development.
The statement said Teixeira added that the country has made several advances in laws relating to sections of society, such as women, children and the LGBTQ community. She said that in August, laws against cross-dressing were removed as an offense against the state.
Judge Moore, who was named the first African-American Pro Tem municipal judge for the city of Grenada, Mississippi last year, said his organization was impressed with the meeting and looked forward to future collaborations with the government of Guyana. .
“I am delighted to report to my members on the things that are happening here in Guyana…the areas of housing, energy, infrastructure that we would like to invest in…but I am also delighted to work with the Guyana Bar Association . and the judiciary to strengthen the rule of law and the demonstration of justice,” he said.
Moore was joined for the meeting by chief foreign policy adviser Johanna Leblanc; Executive Director Maurice Foster and Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives Rosalyn Henderson-Myers.
Officials are also due to meet with several other government officials, members of the judiciary and Guyana’s bar association this week.
The statement said the National Bar Association is the oldest and largest national network of African-American lawyers and judges in the United States. It was founded in 1925 and represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students.
