President Ali: Guyana’s progress fuelled by strong economic and sectoral gains

Guyana’s development over the past four years has significantly contributed to the transformation of the 55-year-old Republic.

With full responsibility now vested in its people, President Dr. Irfaan Ali believes that “we have done a remarkable job” in moving the country forward.

In what he described as “an account of the State of the Republic”, President Ali highlighted the progress made in every sector, the local and international partnerships being built, the pertinent services being introduced or upgraded, and the global positioning of the nation as a valuable international partner.

Delivering the national address at the Parliament Building’s flag-raising ceremony on Saturday evening, President Ali noted the economy’s record-breaking growth and the government’s efforts to sustain this momentum, particularly through inflation management.

He stated that Guyana’s infrastructural landscape continues to undergo a phenomenal transformation, marked by groundbreaking mega projects as well as developments at the local level.

Revolutionary advancements in energy and ICT, which has connected some 215 hinterland communities with high-speed internet, alongside progress in renewable energy through new hydropower projects, solar farms, and solar PV home systems, are all characteristic of the Republic’s ongoing transformation.

The vital agriculture sector will receive the necessary support to sustain its positive evolution.

“You can be assured that this government will work towards making necessary adjustments so that our farmers will not be burdened and will not feel the weight of changes in international trading and market conditions,” the President said.

Instead, the cultivation of non-traditional crops will flourish, livestock and dairy production will continue to expand, and the fisheries sector will increase its output due to ongoing investment.

The country’s petroleum, forestry, and mining sectors have achieved significant advancements, while the government continues to enhance its regulatory framework through the landmark Local Content Act, substantial amendments to the Natural Resource Fund Act, and the promulgation of the Petroleum Activities Bill.

The President applauded the significant progress made in the tourism sector over the past four years. The addition of eight hotels to the nation’s room stock, the introduction of eight new airlines, and the training of some 10,000 citizens in nature-based tourism and essential first-responder skills are just some of the improvements enhancing the country’s tourism product.

The healthcare sector is undergoing revolutionary changes, with world-class medical services, new hospitals, more health posts in some of the most remote areas, the introduction of telemedicine, and the modernisation of patient care.

Initiatives such as the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, meals in both public and private schools, trained teachers, digital schools, free university education, and the construction and expansion of nursery, primary, and secondary schools are all part of the government’s transformative efforts in the education system.

People-centred initiatives, including labour programmes that expand technical and vocational training, increased old-age pensions, public assistance, support for persons living with disabilities, and the provision of affordable homes, reaffirm the government’s commitment to national development.

Efforts to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity remain a top priority, as the country seeks to protect its borders with confidence in the skill and dedication of its military.

The President stated that the country’s democracy will be fully demonstrated when citizens exercise their voting rights in the upcoming general election later this year.

“Today, we are not working from behind,” President Ali said, referring to Guyana’s growing global presence.

In particular, the country is playing a leading role as a green economy, and this year, for the first time, it will host the landmark World Biodiversity Summit, aimed at creating a global biodiversity alliance.

On that note, President Ali urged Guyanese to put aside their differences and work towards the nation’s advancement.

“This is the time when we must come together… when we lift each other up… and put Guyana first,” he said.