I write this letter as a matter of personal expression, out of a desire to share a viewpoint that I think will engender discussion and logical positive outcomes. I was reading recently about the Minister of Finance’s defence of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project and the rationale that constantly has to be put forward to quiet naysayers, in my opinion, nonsensical noise makers. A simplistic analysis from anyone educated in any academic institution would show that this initiative is both timely and pertinent to the developmental stage in which Guyana is currently.
All are aware that the resource and energy potential of Amaila Falls is considerable, with the capacity to supply power to parts beyond our national borders. That this project has been an Administration agenda item for many years nullifies empty rhetoric decrying its worthiness.
The fact that support is not lacking by Guyana’s international financial partners and funding agencies legitimises the thrust towards project facilitation. The more glaring fact that this would reduce fuel cost on government and allow financial resources to be channeled into other sectors is even greater encouragement.
Yet the most important and relevant merit of this facility seems to be lost on the doubters, that is, the people of Guyana will be the beneficiaries of a modern, technologically advanced, clean, effective energy source that will fuel domestic homes, commercial buildings, industrial centers, hospitals, ministries, banks, telecommunication services, recreational parks, complexes and multi-complex movie theatres, gas stations, international hotels and street-lights, among other activities.
This is the direction in which Guyana is heading, one of rapid development and advancement, nationwide, with villages transforming into towns and the landscape of the country evolving to reflect enhance standard and quality of living for all citizens.
With expansion in agriculture, tourism, commerce and mining activities, one is seeing the economy becoming more open and receiving investment capital, internally and from external trade partners.
Entrepreneurship is booming in Guyana, everyone is tapping into emerging income-generating opportunities. For example, the availability of competitive services in cellular phone usage has seen the trend of Cell-link and Digicel outlets in every neighbourhood, in every township, across the coast and into the hinterland, little blue and red signs advertising “top up” facilities.
Many citizens are tapping into home-improvement and home-purchasing loans and refurbishing the interior and exterior of their homes, many times the location of their own small business. Massive department stores, banking centers and other “first world” amenities are springing up.
The primary point of all that I shared is to say this, all of these new additions will be completed, and soon, and the investors I am sure are aware of a long term commitment to recouping cost. These facilities need to be effectively, consistently powered, so as to maintain them.
While the Wartsila engines at the Kingston Power Plant is functioning within competence, consider the possibility of uninterrupted electricity throughout this country, which is being re-populated by Guyanese returning home from journeys afar and reintegrating into a country and society which is being catapulted into development spheres comparable with Caribbean territories and lifestyles experienced in North America .
I urge my fellow Guyanese to look at the practical perspective that is available to them. That is stability, consistency and economic independence and the preparation of a stronger Guyana for the next generation.