By Lazeena Yearwood
Lazeena@newsroom.gy
President Dr Irfaan Ali in his address to the nation on the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary expressed confidence in his government’s ability to transform Guyana using the country’s oil wealth and reiterated promises of betterment for all under his ‘One Guyana’ vision.
The President spoke during the flag-raising ceremony at Public Building on Wednesday night and said his government will lead the nation toward the glory of prosperity
Reminding of the decades-old fight for democracy which was reignited during the 2020 elections, Dr. Ali said the nation now stands “diverse and beautiful, shaken but not fallen, tested but not defeated.”
However, he said as the wounds are healed, the nation must not forget and must maintain the new role it plays in leading the region and the world at large.
“The country was restored to international credit worthiness, debt relief was actively pursued and secured, the country’s tattered infrastructure was rebuilt, social services were expanded and improved, resources for development were sought and the stigma of being a pariah was removed, things had gotten better, lives had improved and our country’s international reputation was boosted,” President Ali said.
And now, Dr. Ali noted that the transformational change that the country is undergoing would not be possible without that fight for democracy and swift action to optimise the country’s resources.
“Guyana became a global leader for the protection and preservation of the environment through the launch of its model Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The most ambitious housing drive was launched. This saw tens of thousands of Guyanese being able to live in dignity under their own roof. The country’s sporting and cultural infrastructure was expanded with the establishment of the National Stadium at Providence and the athletics track in West Demerara.
“The standard of living of Guyanese improved. The economy was prudently managed in order to constrain inflation and keep the country’s exchange and interest rates stable. Investors’ confidence was restored,” the President said.
He added that while many may want to debate whether things have improved, variables such as international shocks and the weather could not be predicted or controlled.
Nevertheless, the President said Guyana’s economy has proven itself able to rebound from market and climate-related shocks.
“Things got better in our Republic and will get even better in the years ahead,” the President proudly stated.
Dr Ali said major investments in energy infrastructure are steering Guyana to become the energy capital of the region and the country is on its way to being the food basket of the region and an industrial powerhouse.
Modern Guyana is a reflection of the hard work of the people and a reminder of what the country has fought to become, President Ali said.
And though there are ‘naysayers’ who may not acknowledge the President’s vision, he said, these persons are blind to the immense progress made especially with regard to the local content legislation and the sale of carbon credits.
“They are blind to the reality that through the Natural Resource Fund Act we are ensuring that the use of our oil resources is prudent, being made more transparent and secure for present and future generations!
“Their negativity, however, will not retard our efforts to pursue prosperity and progress,” Dr Ali said.
In closing, the President pledged to be at the head of the trials the nation may face and to be a leader that embraces the country and every Guyanese for the greater good of the nation.
Dr Ali said he will “safeguard our land, preserve the beauty of a unified people and uplift the aspiration of a hopeful people” as he serves the nation.
