A Barbadian team, led by the Island’s Minister of Housing, Land and Maintenance Dr. William Duguid, has taken its fact-finding mission to Linden, Region 10.
Accompanied by Guyana’s Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and other government officials, the two sides visited the Mining Town on Sunday.
The visit to Linden came following several engagements on Saturday in Georgetown and across several other regions where there was the sharing of information on the operations of the housing sectors in both countries.
It is part of a three-day visit of the Barbadian delegation to Guyana.
According to Dr. Duguid, he was particularly interested in opportunities for investment and strengthening trade relations with Guyana.
Sawmills in Linden were visited as the Barbadian team assessed trading opportunities for quarrying, sand and granite.
“We have to explore the possibility of getting these commodities put on barge and shipped to Barbados and then we have to look at what we will put on that ship coming back,” he said.
Barbados is looking at exporting its cement to Guyana.
“So far we see lots of promises and opportunities for synergies with both nations. The way I see it just as how the future of Guyana looks bright so does our trade relations that we have to wear shades,” the Barbadian Minister added.
Minister Edghill, in brief remarks, said the exchange which flows out of direct engagements between President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley shows that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is working.
“Not only that but it shows that when we have leaders that have the political will to engage and rise above past challenges and obstacles we can go somewhere,” Edghill said.
He referenced the recent exchanged between the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname and said the Guyana government will continue to follow up on these exchanges to ensure it benefits the peoples of the Caribbean region.
“This is what will lend to the development of CARICOM and strengthen resolve to make the Caribbean a zone free from poverty. Together we can make the Caribbean a first world environment,” Edghill added.
On Saturday, the team received an exchange and familiarisation session by the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.
There, Dr. Duguid lauded the Housing Ministry and the government for the comprehensive housing policies and said the Barbadian government stands ready and committed to working with the local Housing Authority in the housing and construction sectors, as both Heads of State share similar visions for growth and development.
