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“NOW is the time for us to show more maturity in our body politic; it is a time to put Guyana first; nothing should be done to jeopardize the welfare of our people and country.”This was the clarion call made by Head of State, Donald Ramotar, in his address to the nation last nigh t as Guyana marks its 47th Independence anniversary as a free nation.
President Ramotar used the occasion to again “appeal to our political leaders to join me in creating conditions of improved political trust that would allow us to work together, in spite of our differences, to build this country of ours, and to make it truly great so that we can take a bigger part in resolving regional and global issues.”
As he addressed the thousands gathered at the National Park last evening for the symbolic hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead, the President said he is “ready to engage with all stakeholders in pursuit of these goals,” adding:
“I once again commit the government to working towards a brighter future for our motherland, one in which we can all live in peace, freedom, harmony and unity, and one in which our children can enjoy the promise of a fulfilling future.”
Noting that in any society, there will be differences of opinions and differences in approaches to various issues, he said these differences should not be used as a roadblock to stymie progress, nor jeopardize Guyana’s standing nationally, regionally or internationally.
He said that even when the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) was in political opposition, it had always placed Guyana first, despite whatever differences it had with the then administration.
Integrated World
And while today’s integrated world may present many a challenge to small developing nations like Guyana, he said: “I have no doubt that all Guyanese share the desire for an end to poverty, and for us to build a modern country, one defined by democratic customs and in which all can prosper in an environment or peace and unity.”
Noting further that Guyana is at a stage in its history where its economy is doing better than previously, and is well positioned to move closer towards achieving its collective vision, he said:
“We should not let this moment pass; we should not squander this opportunity. I implore all of our political leaders to join me in working to build a grand future for all of our people.”
In presenting a recap of the achievements in recent times and the projections for the future, President Ramotar used the opportunity to remind the nation of Guyana’s consistent economic growth in the last seven years.
And in terms of what lies ahead for the country in the future, he pointed to Guyana’s commitment to the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to forge closer infrastructural ties with other nations on the continent.
Bridging Corentyne
In a bid to realize this particular goal, he said, both Suriname and Guyana have approached multilateral institutions to undertake a feasibility study for the construction of a bridge cross the Corentyne River.
“Such a bridge will not only increase people-to-people contact and make travel easier, but will also stimulate greater economic activities between our two countries,” the President reasoned.
In terms of relations with neighbouring Brazil, he said: “A deepwater port and a fully paved Linden-Lethem road would allow for Guyanese products to be traded into additional and much larger markets, benefitting many industries through higher export volumes…
“I am pleased to report that senior-level teams from both countries are working diligently to accelerate the realization of these projects.”
And, lauding the cordial rapport Guyana enjoys with its western neighbour, Venezuela, he said: “Our trade relations have expanded, and we hope to improve on this going forward.”
He credited this enhanced relationship to the visionary leadership of the late President Hugo Chavez and his close colleagues. “Chavez was truly a citizen of Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said.
Tourism hub
As for the government’s push to diversify and have in place new economic centres, President Ramotar said:
“One of these new hubs of growth is tourism; a sector that holds huge possibilities for everyone in this country.” This sector he said remains one of the growing segments of the global economy but it requires investments, significant investments, if it is to take-off.
In order to catalyze this sector, Ramotar said“we need critical and supporting infrastructure such as an expanded and modernized airport and new hotels like the Marriott.”
These, he said,“will give our country world class facilities and move us higher up on the economic ladder.”
The president added that the tourism product will be supported in the coming years by a strong focus on public sector investment on transportation infrastructure.
“We have many projects in the pipeline and we are actively considering others.”
Ramotar said that the administration is currently at a stage where it is inviting expressions of interest for a new bridge across the Demerara River.
On the East Coast of Demerara, he said that government is currently at the design phase for the widening of the thoroughfare between Better Hope and Belfield that will ensure a smoother flow of traffic and avoid citizens having to spend long hours getting to and from home.
He said too that on the East Bank of Demerarasteps are being taken to not only widen the existing roadway but also to construct a major bypass road that will link the East Coast to Diamond with connecting feeder roads at various points such as Eccles and Mocha.
Del Conte
Head of State Ramotar announced that Government is keenly examining the possibility of reopening the Del Conte trail via a road link between Parika and communities close to Bartica.
“When constructed, this road has the possibility of opening up thousands of acres of new lands for agricultural cultivation thereby increasing food production and securing greater economic opportunities for farmers, while providing a much needed road link to areas formerly only accessible by river.”
He said that this area is one of the two possible new agricultural frontiers that the administration is looking at opening up, the other he said is in Region 9.
ICT
As it relates to the critical 21st Century Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector, President Ramotar reminded of the fiber optic cable that promises to revolutionize ICT in Guyana.
“In the world we live in today things are changing rapidly…Science and Technology are the engines behind this rapid change….That is why we cannot afford to be left behind in relation to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).”
This drive he reminded also is being supplemented with the Our One Laptop per Family Programmethat “is ensuring that no one would be left behind in this the information and technological age.”
The President cautioned however that “we have to work together, all of us- government and citizens; government and the Opposition; government and civil society- to fix our country’s problems; More importantly we have to continue to sustain growth.”
According to President Ramotar, “at this stage of our country’s development, sustaining growth requires investment in transformative infrastructure, this will also allow us to leap-frog development to higher levels that will yield greater and faster benefits for our people.”
He drew reference to the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Station and underscored its importance in positively transforming our manufacturing and agro processing sectors.
No Illusion
The Head of State did concede however that he is under no illusion, saying that “I am not pretending that everything is rosy in Guyana.”
Ramotar said that he is keenly are that there are still many problems confronting Guyanese.
“While it is true that we have done much to improve the lot of our people, I am aware of many problems that confront our citizens in the towns and in the NDCs across our land.”
He said he is aware that there are many village roads need to be repaired and rebuilt and too many of “our drains are clogged up with debris, silt and weeds.”
Wages and Salaries
Speaking to particularly the working class, Ramotar said that he is aware of the numerous complaints of underpayment of workers and as such “government has moved decisively to bring an end to such abuse.”
He drew reference to the fact that Government previously put in place a minimum wages for many categories of workers susceptible to exploitation, and this was followed by the institution of a national minimum wage “which will further protect vulnerable workers from abuse and naked exploitation.”
Ramotar said that if “there is any fulltime employee who is earning less than the specified national minimum wage, I ask you to contact our Ministry of Labour…We will investigate your case.”
Better Days
Nonetheless Ramotar said that “Our people are enjoying better days,” as he drew reference to the thousands that over the years would have become first time home owners.
“Through our ambitious housing programmewe have greatly increased the stock of housing in Guyana and relieved the pressures that the shortage of housing had created within families and communities.”
The President in his Independence Day address said that “We should all feel justly elated over what we have accomplished…We have planned prudently and we have carefully but boldly executed these plans.”
He did caution that as a nation and a government “we must remain vigilant and be sensible in our economic choices.”
