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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Melanie Reimer
In Guyana, 592-227-4096, or

Kay Torrance
In Atlanta, 404-420-5129

GEORGETOWN, GUYANA…Carterand its partner groups will hold a conference this weekend on issues of interest to nongovernmental organizations in Guyana, including participation in public policy, collaboration with government and the private sector, networking among nongovernmental organizations, and the legal framework for such organizations.

The conference, "Making a Difference Together," will be held March 13-14 in Georgetown. It is part of the Center's effort to improve the influence of civil society in formation of public policy, implemented under the United States Agency for International Development-funded program, More Responsive and Participatory Governance and Rule of Law in Guyana. The conference marks the completion of the program, which began in 2000.

Participants include up to 100 leaders of nongovernmental organizations from across Guyana, as well as speakers from other Caribbean nations, such as the Barbados-based Caribbean Policy Development Center, and the Society for Promotion of Education and Research from Belize. Guyanese organizations include the Guyana Association of Women's Lawyers, the Guyana Forum for Lifelong Learning, NGO Forum of Guyana, and the Sustainable Development Networking Project, among others. A one-hour video showcasing the Carter Center-USAID program will be shown at the conference. The opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on March 13 at Hotel Tower is open to the media.