Mr Greg Quinn has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in succession to Mr Andrew Ayre, who has been transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
Mr Quinn joined the FCO in 1995 and is currently Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Kazakhstan. His FCO career has included work on the United Nations, Former Soviet Union, and the Middle East in addition to a two-year secondment to the United States Department of State where he worked on Iraq.
H.E. High Commissioner Greg Quinn presented his Letters of Credence to H.E. Donald Ramotar, President of the Republic of Guyana today, Monday, March 2, 2015.
High Commissioner Quinn was accompanied by his wife Wendy Quinn and the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jim Couzens.
On his appointment as British High Commissioner to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Mr Quinn has said:
“Firstly I would like to thank His Excellency Mr Donald Ramotar, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, for receiving me so warmly. I would also like to take this opportunity to send personal greetings to you and to the people of Guyana from Her Majesty The Queen.
Let me begin by repeating my statement as released at the time of my appointment: 'It is a privilege and an honour to be given the opportunity to work with this fellow Commonwealth member.' I meant it then, and I wholeheartedly mean it now speaking at this credentials ceremony.
Our countries have a long and varied history and whilst we could debate what happened in the past in some detail (indeed the historian in me would like nothing more) we have, I believe, an unbreakable bond upon which I want to build. Fundamentally we both want to expand our bilateral relationship and cooperation in all areas of mutual concern. Let me assure you that the British Government attaches great importance to the maintenance of the strongest possible bilateral ties.
Our historical ties are strong and we have shared interests in politics, culture and sport. There are many great Guyanese who have made their mark on British society. The list of such individuals is long but a small selection includes: Baroness Amos; Trevor Phillips; Clive Lloyd; Lance Gibbs; Lord Ouseley; and Bernie Grant.
This doesn't mean we won't have our differences. Friends often disagree. The best friendships are those which are strong enough to overcome disagreements. Indeed they must be strengthened by them. I look forward to coming years of varied and substantive debates.
As we look to the short-term future our joint immediate priorities are to help ensure free, fair and transparent elections on 11 May which will produce a Parliament and President fully representative of the will of all of the people of Guyana.
Mr President I know your Government is committed to this goal and HMG (and our partners) all stand ready to help as necessary. I personally look forward to observing the elections.
Our relationship looks beyond politics. In my time here I want to ensure British businesses, big and small, have the opportunity to invest in, and sell to, Guyana. We produce some of the best goods and services in the world and are at the forefront of innovation. I want to see more evidence of that here in Guyana. I also want to see more Guyanese students studying in the UK before returning to Guyana. To encourage this, the number of Chevening educational scholarships will triple this year.
There is much for us to do and talk about during my time as British High Commissioner. I trust that the Government and people of Guyana will take whatever I say in the constructive spirit in which it is meant. Just as I will take on board any constructive criticisms you may have of me.
I sincerely wish you and your country progress and prosperity, and look forward to enjoying you and your Government's full support to advance our common agenda and deepen our strong and enduring friendship.”
Biography
Mr Greg Quinn took up his appointment as Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy to Kazakhstan in October 2012. Greg joined the FCO in 1995 and has served overseas in Tallinn, Accra, Minsk, Baghdad and Washington. He graduated with a degree in International Politics and International History from the University of Wales in Aberystwyth and is married to Wendy.
Curriculum vitae
2012 – present Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Astana
2009 – 2012 FCO, Head of UN Political Team
2007 – 2009 British Embassy Washington, First Secretary Middle East, (seconded to State Department)
2007 British Embassy Baghdad and British Consulate-General Basra, Temporary Duty
2004 – 2007 British Embassy Minsk, Deputy Head of Mission
2000 – 2003 British High Commission Accra, Second Secretary Political, Press and Public Affairs
2000 British Embassy Tallinn, Temporary Duty
1998 – 2000 FCO, Desk Office for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
1995 – 1998 FCO Historian
1995 Joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Previous roles in government
2013-2014 Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Astana
