IT is a fact that our industrial development must be stimulated and supported by a vigorous programme of scientific and technological research. This programme must seek to discover new and better economic uses for our raw materials; new and better methods of processing them; new and better techniques for improving the output and efficiency of the productive sectors. We have to harness science and technology to the cause of national development.

The great objective must be to acquire the ability to process our raw materials to the highest stages possible so that we can enjoy the full benefit of the value-added tax. We must also produce as many as possible of the articles in common everyday use in the country.

We will have to acquire, adapt and develop technology as the propellant, so to speak, of our development activities. We will not get far without the assistance of such technology. Such technology must be appropriate to our needs and have a direct relevance to our resource base and our environment. Such a technology need not necessarily be the most advanced technology and need not necessarily be imported.

We live in an age in which scientific principles are being adapted more and more to serve the needs of mankind. This is the basis of modern technology. No country today can transform itself into a modern state without the development of a technological capability. We in Guyana need such a capability in order to make the fullest use of our valuable resources. Science and Technology policy and programmes should be oriented towards and serve the development objectives of the country. Consequently, our educational system, while not ignoring the value and importance of a liberal education, must put the major emphasis on scientific and technical training.
MOHAMED KHAN