Joanna Denise Almendis, is our Confidential Secretary. Happily married to Carlos, Joanna has dedicated over a decade to her role, bringing warmth, dedication, and a spirit of service to every task she undertakes. Her genuine passion for helping others and her unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and productive work environment make her an invaluable part of our team. Joanna’s contributions go beyond her duties; she enriches our workplace with her kindness and a deep sense of community, embodying the true essence of collaboration and growth.

Daniel Sanchez is the Accounts Clerk at the Embassy and the newest addition to our team, having joined nearly six months ago after working at another embassy. A lawyer with extensive experience in administrative and accounting areas, Daniel is versatile, dynamic, and committed to achieving results. He is a dedicated team player with a passion for football and a love for hamburgers.

Dr. Richard Van West-Charles is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience spanning over four decades. He has served in various high-level roles in both national and international public health organizations, contributing significantly to the health sectors across the Caribbean and beyond. 

Dr. Van West-Charles earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Havana in 1979 and later completed his Master of Public Health in International Health at the University of Michigan in 1988. His academic journey also includes specialized training in Health Economics at the University of Aberdeen, Project Management, Leadership, and Negotiation at PHAO/WHO in Italy, and Knowledge Management at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Professionally Dr. Van West-Charles has held prominent positions including the Managing Director of Guyana Water Inc. (2015-2020), Vice President at St. Helen University (2012-2014), and Area Manager for Information & Knowledge Management at PAHO/WHO's Regional Office (2003-2008). He has also worked extensively as a Public Health Consultant, providing valuable insights and strategies to organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).

Throughout his career, Dr. Van West-Charles has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at improving public health systems, particularly in the Caribbean. His work has led to the development of critical health programs, the enhancement of environmental health conditions, and the strengthening of healthcare delivery systems across various islands.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Van West-Charles is a dedicated tennis enthusiast, enjoying the sport as a key part of his personal life.

Robin Motayne is a distinguished diplomat whose career has been dedicated to the advancement of Guyana’s foreign policy and the enhancement of its presence on the international stage. With a wealth of experience garnered over years of dedicated service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Motayne has played a role in shaping and promoting the nations interests within the global community.

In his current capacity, Mr. Motayne serves as the Counsellor at the Embassy of Guyana in Caracas, a position he has held with distinction since October 2023. Prior to this, he capably served as the Charge d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy from October 2021 to January 2024, a period during which he provided steadfast leadership and upheld the diplomatic mission’s objectives with great efficacy. His tenure at the Ministry has also seen him assume pivotal roles such as Senior Foreign Service Officer I and Foreign Service Officer II and III, positions in which he has consistently demonstrated his deep commitment to the promotion of Guyana’s Foreign Policy agenda.

Moreover, Mr. Motayne has had the honour of representing Guyana at the United Nations, where he served as Second Secretary and Elections Officer, contributing to the nations engagement in multilateral diplomacy. His breadth of experience is further underscored by his previous involvement in various leadership roles within both his local community and the private sector of Guyana, reflecting a holistic approach to service and leadership.

Academically, Mr. Motayne is well-grounded with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in International Relations and a Master’s Degree in Economics, credentials that have further enriched his diplomatic acumen and equipped him to navigate the complexities of international relations with astuteness and diplomacy.

In sum, Robin Motayne’s career exemplifies the dedication and skill that are the hallmarks of an effective representative of Guyana, on the world stage.

Dr. Ganga Persaud is a seasoned consultant and academic with expertise in Human Resource Management, Training and Development, Public Sector Management, and Elections Management. Over his extensive career, he has made significant contributions to local democracy, public administration, and education in Guyana.

He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration from Summer Lake University, USA, and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Guyana.

Currently, Dr. Persaud serves as the Political Attaché at the Guyana Embassy in Caracas and is a member of the Public Service Commission. His past roles include Member of Parliament, Minister of Government, and Permanent Secretary in various ministries. He has also lectured at the University of Guyana and played key roles in elections management in Guyana.

Jean Surujpaul is a dedicated Consular Assistant at the Embassy, embodying the dual heritage of Guyana and Venezuela. Her career spans decades, during which she has supported and served under multiple Ambassadors, including Rudolph A. Collins, Marilyn C. Miles, Satydeow Sawh, Bayney Karran, Geoffrey DaSilva, and currently, Dr. Richard Van West- Charles. Jean's commitment to her role is matched by her passion for reading, traveling, and listening to music, pursuits that enrich her life and inspire her work in the service of her countries.