PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has assured members of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce that entrepreneurs in the district are at an advantageous position, even as he lent an ear to some of their concerns, proposals and recommendations.
During a scheduled meeting with the stakeholders Saturday evening, President Ramotar said Lethem is poised for rapid growth and development, given its close proximity to Brazil; but with a keen eye on the development agenda, he said regulation is an absolute prerequisite and there are plans to establish a Lethem Authority for this purpose.
The Authority will include representatives from Lethem, other parts of the Rupununi and Georgetown.
“The reasoning behind that is essentially because I think when people are living in an area; sometimes they are so close that they don’t see what is taking place. On the other hand, in this area, you have developed a lot of local knowledge; but when you bring fresh eyes from outside, technical and otherwise… that can go a far way,” President Ramotar said.
As part of its facilitating role, the government intends to support the upgrades to the Lethem airstrip, also ensuring that the local authorities are cognizant that possibilities for extension are not impeded.
Major road works are also in the making, as part of the overall plan to develop roads in the hinterland for the benefit of vehicles traversing the area on a daily basis with agriculture produce and commuters.
Given the heavy flow of traffic that has been evident in the Lethem and Rupununi areas since the opening of the bridge across the Takutu River, linking Guyana and Brazil, upgrades to the infrastructure are of an even greater importance.
During the opening of the Takutu Bridge, former President of Brazil, Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, had promised his Government’s support in the development of the Lethem to Linden road, as they too recognize the significance of this infrastructure linkage.
As Guyana and Brazil broaden the scope of their bilateral relations, President Ramotar said the Guyana Government is looking to develop projects that will be of mutual benefit to the interest of both countries.
With Guyana’s natural waterways and the prediction by experts that Brazil will exhaust power by 2020, President Ramotar told the stakeholders that hydro power is one of the potential areas of mutual benefit.

Members of the Rupununi Chamber sought to identify a few areas which they can make a reality, and shared the prospects with President Ramotar. President of the Chamber, Roger King, made reference to a proposed location which he said was brought to the attention of Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds for consideration.
The President’s meeting with the Rupununi Chamber stakeholders was held at the Kanuku Lodge, a few hours after he opened the annual Rupununi Rodeo. He was accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag) Irfaan Ali and Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn.
While hailing it as a good tourism product, President Ramotar said the fact that hotels are oftentimes booked during the Easter weekend activity highlights the need for a review in accommodation services in the district. (GINA)