THE Government has come in for much praise on the management of the local economy. Only recently the International Monetary Fund commended the government for its prudent management of the economy and for maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Now I read that the World Bank has followed suit and commended the Government on the same issues. Not only that, the Bank has also approved the new country assistance strategy.

To quote the exact words of the Bank’s Country Director for the Caribbean Yvonne Tsikata said that “Guyana has made significant progress in laying the foundations for macroeconomic stability and higher pro-poor growth.”

These aren’t the words of President Jagdeo but of the World Bank Representative. You know people find it very difficult to believe when the President says it but take it whole heartedly when other people say it.

It is a good feeling when these institutions acknowledge that institutional capacity in the country has been improving and that there is a government that is committed to making the environment better. It demonstrates the willingness of the Government to provide change and development for its people. This is what we continue to see and benefit from.

Guyana has made significant strides in improving fiscal discipline over the years. This was no easy task, given the huge fiscal deficit that existed, when the PPP/C took office in 1992.

It took years of strategic planning to contain the deficit, while at the same time ensuring that the country’s infrastructure is developed and social services are provided. These are things that we should be following closely and with much pride, we must say well done and give our support, paving the way for a better Guyana.
EMILY GRANT