“Guyana’s future is bright” – Pres Granger
─ highlights priorities for decade of development
DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 20, 2019
His Excellency, President David Granger, while attending the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s annual business luncheon stated that Guyana is entering a new phase of economic development and outlined the ten major sectors of development which will aid economic development at the launch of the Decade of Development: 2020-2029.
“The advent of petroleum production, next year, will result in the sustained expansion of the economy. Petroleum revenues will be prudently managed to ensure sustained benefits to all sectors of the economy. The rising tide will lift all boats.”
According to the president, this 10-year period will see the development of a “world-class education system” designed to create the best skills for the country’s economic development. He said reform will ensure that the education system is more reflective of the needs of Guyana’s new economy; access to information technology and, of course, the promotion of social cohesion.
“This year, 2019, we spent 17.5% of the Budget, 6.3% of GDP, on public education. My government will expand expenditure on education during the ‘Decade of Development’. We shall focus, increasingly, on graduating better trained teachers who could impart more critical thinking skills to children. The public education system and curriculum will be modernised to reflect recent research and to address advancements in pedagogy and learning for children,” President Granger said.
It was noted that the ‘Decade of Development’ will see economic expansion, diversification, restructuring, including value-added manufacturing and food security. Focus will also be placed on energy security and the transition to renewable and clean sources of energy and environmentally sustainable management of our natural resources.
In his address, the Head of State assured that efforts will be maximised to eradicate extreme poverty, destitution and homelessness.
“We will emphasise infrastructural expansion, not only in terms of highways and bridges but in term of aviation and riverine transport, in particular, to serve the hinterland communities of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine,” he explained.
It was highlighted that emphasis will also be placed on internationally competitive trade and investment; ensure and enforce national and border security, human safety and the development of our international relations to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity; and strengthen institutions especially in light of constitutional reform to ensure good governance.
“The ‘Decade’ will yield increased business opportunities, including the manufacturing and services sectors. The ‘Decade’ will ensure an enabling environment which would allow our local entrepreneurs to capitalise on these opportunities. We envisage a future of thriving businesses and globally-competitive manufacturing and services,” he said, adding that the ‘Decade’ will provide more opportunities for youths.
The Head of State remarked that the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) has identified a pivotal role for the manufacturing and services sector in the economic development of this country as the economy will be realigned along with increased diversification and a low-carbon pathway.
“Emphasis will be placed on building a competitive manufacturing base and moving production away from primary production towards more value-added production of goods and services.”
The president assured members of the business community that “Guyana’s future is bright” and committed government’s support to create an enabling environment for the private sector to play a pivotal role in the development.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson also attended the business luncheon.