THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, for almost two decades now,  has demonstrated an outstanding record of accomplishment as it relates to prudent management of limited resources and management of the economy, which have resulted in very commendable growth across all regions of Guyana, including Region 10 ((Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, made this bold declaration on Wednesday last, during the signing of a US$12.3M contract in Region 10 which will see the implementation of the Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme.
As to the importance of this project, Dr. Singh said, “This will make a remarkable impact on the quality of social services in Linden and is yet another installment of this Government’s commitment to improving social services across our country in general, and in Region 10 in particular.”
He noted too, that the Linden Project fits within the parameters of long-term investment in the region and fits perfectly into the priority projects identified by the Government.
In this regard, Dr. Singh urged the residents to recognize that this initiative will bring tremendous benefits to all of the communities.
This project is being implemented through a collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Continuing, the Finance Minister highlighted that, owing to  prudent management of resources and the country’s economy, the government has simultaneously put in place the policy framework and created the conditions that attract foreign investment in several key areas.

CONTINUED INVESTMENT

He explained: “It is no accident that two international companies have invested in the Bauxite Industry in Guyana, while the industry is experiencing trauma elsewhere, like in Jamaica. It is to the credit of government and investors in the bauxite sector and the people who work in the industry, that the Guyanese Bauxite industry continued to operate throughout this period.”
Over 500 persons are presently employed by BOSAI Minerals Inc, he noted.
Alluding to the Information Technology Sector, the Finance Minister highlighted that President Bharrat Jagdeo has taken a committed position that this creates opportunities through improving access to information, creating jobs and empowering people.
“He (the President) has gone further, given the transformational impact…this ICT should not be exclusive to any one group and the benefits should reach each and every Guyanese person.
“This objective will be realized though several avenues including the Fiber Optic Cable from Lethem to Georgetown, which will pass through Linden; the establishment of computer labs in schools; the training of 6000 teachers but very importantly, the placement of  laptops in the homes of 90,000 families through the One Laptop Per Family Programme,” Dr. Singh said.
He pointed out that $1.8 Billion has been budgeted for this programme, which will see the families receiving laptops in their homes and training in hubs across the country.
In addition, Call Centres have been erected  all across Guyana  including Linden. Dr. Singh said this facility was realized because Government invested more than $100M in infrastructural works or  this purpose. “More  than 100 young Lindeners go to work everyday in that high- tech environment working in the ITC sector that did not exist just a few years ago, he pointed out.
As to the implications of this phenomenon, he stated, “This is diversification of the economy; this is the creation of jobs, of opportunities, for people.”
Dr. Singh also took the opportunity to highlight another major national project that will result in even more benefits to the people of this nation and those in Linden in particular – the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.
“This will see in excess of US$650M invested in Guyana, creating job opportunities but also improving services and which will see the cost for electricity coming down and the improvement of reliability to consumers,” the Finance Minister said.
This project will see 160 MW of power being generated and our present demand is about 80MW, so this is expected to satisfy the national demand.
In pointing out the impact of this initiative on the lives of the people in Linden, the minister said, “Linden will benefit from this, considering the route of the Amaila Falls road and transmission line, it is obvious that Linden will be a major hub when this project comes into the construction phase, it will bring direct positive development to your community and your town.”
In light of this, he encouraged the residents to “speak out” about how the project will impact the country and to disagree when persons criticize the project, as it will have direct positive benefits to their lives.
In closing, Minister Singh reiterated the administration’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that will improve the lives of all Guyanese citizens.
“This is an example of things being implemented with the future of the people in mind. The ingredients are there for an extremely bright future, and I can assure you that this Government is committed to ensuring that this vision and future is realized.”