Government’s vision for development of East Bank Demerara being realised
His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has hailed the opening of the new Amazonia Mall at Providence as another indication of the development that is taking place along the East Bank Demerara, and the country.
President Ali said thousands more Guyanese are expected to benefit from this development, along with other large-scale infrastructural projects and new housing opportunities being realised along the East Bank corridor.
“Today, between Eccles and Diamond, in new housing opportunities, we have close to 18,000 house lots, minus commercial zones. This does not happen by accident. This happens by careful planning, understanding the development trajectory of the country and opening up the opportunities to get the development going,” he said at the opening ceremony on Friday.
The Amazonia Mall, owned by cricket legend Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan, boasts a score of stores, several food courts, an RS53 RestoBar & Lounge, and Caribbean Cinemas, offering a wealth of opportunities for employment and recreation. It is the third large-scale mall to open in Guyana.
The President pointed to previous developments under the PPP/C Government which commenced the fulfilment of its vision for the East Bank.
“I remember when we launched the vision for the East Bank, first under President Jagdeo, by earmarking Providence to be the location for the national stadium. We were criticized. That is history.”
Dr. Ali also reminded the gathering that the PPP/C government had said there would be an international hotel on the East Bank.
He said although they were criticised, “Try getting a room in that hotel now.
“When we turned the sod for Texila, and I said this university will be the reason many low-income families will be able to repay their loans, some said we were selling pipe dreams. That is history.”
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, MP, recently visited the Texila University where he received glowing reports of success, with the University sending hundreds of medical doctors to practice around the world.
“Remember, when we turned the sod for the 1,000 homes? Not only did I receive charges from the then Opposition in Parliament, but they said that we were sending the poor people behind God back. That is history. The banks are here. Let them tell you the value of those lands.”
President Ali said he reflected on those moments to highlight the PPP/C Government’s role in the formation of the Guyanese society. Therefore, he said, when one questions the PPP/C Government’s role as the vehicle for Guyana’s development, the evidence can speak for itself.
The President said the Government’s vision is one for all Guyanese, regardless of colour, and from all walks of life.
Cabinet members Dr. Singh, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, MP; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, MP; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., MP; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, MP and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues MP also attended the opening.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Lenox Shuman; Government Member of Parliament, Mr. Sanjeev Datadin; and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop were also there.