–says President; urges strong focus on education, empowerment and enterprise

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on Corentyne stakeholders to develop an action plan to accelerate development in the region. He said the plan should focus on education, empowerment and enterprise to achieve its objective.

The President issued the challenge to Corentyne stakeholders during his address to the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam’s World Understanding and Peace Dinner on Saturday.

“The Corentyne, together with NGOs [non-governmental organisations], regional administration and Central Government, (has) to develop a plan of action to bring together all stakeholders, civil society and governmental organisations; (and) most of all, the community.

“This plan should (be anchored) in the concept of regional peace and understanding, which we celebrate tonight…. We must reject the politics of division which stifles this region, dividing it. This region does not belong to any political party; it belongs to the residents, who must be able to share in its bounties,” the President declared.

The President stressed that an Action Plan for the Corentyne — that is based on a shared vision and that enjoys shared responsibility — will take the region by leaps and bounds. But he noted that, for this to happen, Guyana needs a vibrant and educated work force. He contended that a strong economy must be built on a solid foundation of education.

The region, President Granger told his audience, needs scientists, engineers, and technologists to drive this envisioned development; and they must come from within the region.

“I am here because I’m passionate about education…. Education lays the foundation which can break the cycle of poverty. Education is the gateway for opportunity, and opportunity is the stepping stone which brings social mobility. Social mobility is the pathway to prosperity, or what I call ‘the good life’.

“Children who do not go to school will have little chance of accessing these opportunities that will allow them to get out of the cycle of poverty,” the President predicted.

Aside from education, he said persons must be empowered to make decisions and take control.
The President noted that when people are disempowered, they do not have a sense of belonging. He referred to the difference it made in Georgetown when the Town Clerk who was imposed on the council was replaced by one elected by the council.

The President said his administration is empowering citizens, and the upcoming Local Government Elections will enable them to elect people of their choice to run their affairs in the community.

“…if they don’t shape up, move them; but let our communities be cleaned, serene and safe…. But it is you, the citizens, residents; people (who) must take charge of your own affairs. So the empowerment which is given to you through the Constitution (is) now being facilitated in the form of Local Government Elections, so your organisations cannot remain divorced in governance and decision-making in your community,” the President said.

He also said that enterprise is key in the scheme of moulding successful communities.

The President called on the business community and residents to be more innovative and come up with fresh, brighter ideas to make their region a prosperous zone.

“…you should be more entrepreneurial, the economy is not a Government economy; it comes from you — business persons, professionals, citizens and residents. I want to see a strong region, a region that has aerodromes, where people from neighbouring countries can fly in to do business; fly directly (into) the Corentyne to do business without having to go through Timehri and Ogle. I want to see businessmen coming here to make deals…. I want to see your three towns as thriving business districts with factories, restaurants, supermarkets. I want to see your ports bring in ships from the Caribbean. This is my vision of East Berbice/Corentyne….

“We want to ensure a level playing field so we can encourage persons from the Corentyne diaspora to come back here to invest their money. If the Corentyne prospers, the whole country will progress,” President Granger said.

The President concluded his presentation by calling for unity and a fresh start, as Guyana prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary.