THAT Guyana is in the midst of a transformative process is indisputable.

One just has to look around, and the evidence of such change immediately meets the eye. In fact, this evidence is manifest especially to those returning home, after many years of absence.

Beginning with the city, which skyline has undergone gradual transformation over the past 20 years; as old commercial structures, traditionally of the wooden type, are constantly being replaced by formidable concrete infrastructure, rising to average 4-5 levels. These are multi-million dollar structures that now accommodate mostly stores and restaurants. Taking pride of place in this construction revolution are two shopping malls that stand imposingly, opposite each other, at the corner of Camp and Regent Streets. This building type seems set to become the symbol of modern shopping, as in many other developed and developing countries.
This change extends to every section of the city, even in areas that are not traditional commercial shopping areas. Even petrol stations have been rebuilt; no doubt to offer a better service to the increased volume of motor vehicles. Definitely, Georgetown has taken on a corporate look.
A particular environ that has undoubtedly evidenced much change and can be said to be in the forefront of this constant progressive, is the busy Sheriff Street. Both sides of this thoroughfare are home to huge structures, housing a variety of businesses from restaurants and fast food outlets, supermarkets, textiles and hardware, auto spares stores, taxi services, hotels and entertainment spots. At virtually every intersection of this lengthy causeway, stands either a finished building, or one in the process of being constructed. This established centre will in time rival Water Street as the hub of city commerce. This modernisation includes also, re-construction of private residences in the residential areas.
But this trend is not confined to Georgetown proper; it has extended both farther south and east of the capital city that was once described as “country”. Call it extended urbanisation.
The East Bank corridor is now a breathtaking example of widened roadways, ultra-modern housing schemes, commercial banks, auto sales depots, business centres, hospitals, hotels, gas stations, new schools, and the National Stadium. All this has occurred in the last 10-15 years, replacing an area that was mostly cane growing. But it does not end here, since further housing areas are being developed, as well as its business and commerce potential is further extended. The ultimate is to convert this area into a significant commercial hub.
It is difficult to believe that one is still not in the city, when journeying out eastward. New private residences have been built and old ones replaced by modern architecture. This is in addition to the dozens of commercial entities that have also mushroomed all the way to Mon Repos and beyond.
Evidence of this renewal is also present especially in Region 6, more so influenced by the construction of the Berbice Bridge, that has removed the time constraint in the movement of goods and services between the two divides. With the promise of a deep water harbour and the building of the bridge across the Corentyne River, more investments are anticipated for this county.
Even Essequibo has been undergoing this transition, as many new buildings have been constructed for establishing businesses, giving a modern look to this county.
The catalyst for this modernisation explosion in business and commerce, which is a key component of the transformation taking place, has been the conducive climate facilitated by the PPP/C government since 1993. Overcoming the initial political challenges of deliberate destabilisation, the government established mechanisms, that have resulted in effecting regulatory measures and incentives for private sector and foreign direct investment.
A significant success of these measures has been the wholehearted response from private capital investment, including Guyanese from the Diaspora. These are practical demonstrations of faith in an administration whose astute management of the economy has resulted in the seventh consecutive year of economic growth, ushering in a period of unprecedented economic success for individual efforts.