Special incentives, tourism expansion for Region 10

The government will roll out a special tourism incentive and investment strategy in Region 10 and prioritise tackling cost-of-living challenges, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Sunday.

“We will be supporting a special incentive, a tourism expansion plan and investment strategy for Region 10. That is why we’re talking about a new highway. That is why we’re building the bridges to Lethem…we will make it a workable highway for our shipment, for transshipment, and for service,” Ali told a massive party rally at Lieu-Ken-Pen Square in Linden.

Cost of living has been a common complaint from citizens across Guyana, and the President said this is also being addressed.

He cited inflation, fuel price volatility, and high global freight costs as external pressures affecting local prices.

“We don’t control international transport costs. We don’t control international energy costs. We don’t control the cost of fertiliser… But for every single thing that we could have done so far to reduce the impact of these rising prices globally, we have done,” he said.

The government has removed more than 200 taxes, zero-rated VAT on electricity and water, introduced free university education, reduced water rates, and expanded electricity subsidies.

Ali said the administration is also working to make the country more self-reliant, beginning with food production.

He emphasised that the PPP/C government is focused on long-term development, not short-term political promises, as he urged their support in the September 1 elections.