OF COURSE, it has to be very good news that after all, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project will proceed. OBSERVER has never been in doubt as to the absolute relevancy of this groundbreaking facility to the socio-economic development needs of the country. Therefore, we join in commending President Donald Ramotar for the resilience in leadership that he has shown in his determination that this seminal project must advance, for the benefit of the nation.

It is only the enemies of progress who have, from its inception, sought to stymie, and even scuttle, this very important initiative. For them, it was “Stop the Amaila at all costs!” So much so that OBSERVER continues to wonder whether these persons were ever sincere in undertaking the solemn responsibility of Representatives of the People. On to this moment, there is no discernible reason that has supported such an anti-national stance as offered by the Parliamentary Opposition Parties, the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU) and the Alliance for Change(AFC).
The fact that Guyana’s climate services partner, Norway, has given the accumulated sum of $80M to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Guyana’s sum of equity contribution to the hydro project, testifies to the undoubted support from international institutions for this national project of profound importance.
From multilateral agencies, inclusive of the World Bank, and the Caribbean Development Bank, to regional high-ranking personalities such as Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, have all highlighted Guyana’s energy potential that could be realized under this critical national project, for providing affordable energy to all Guyana, and even exporting same.
OBSERVER must again highlight the much-needed benefits all round that will accrue to this nation such as saving $9B of electricity subsidies, and $40B in fuel bills. Our citizens are wise enough to know what such sums can offer them in terms of improving socio-economic conditions.
For the advancement of the economy, the potential is enormous, for the expansion of the country’s manufacturing and production sector that has long grappled with the challenges of high electricity costs. Affordable energy will greatly reduce the latter, while facilitating value- added dimensions to products, as well as offering opportunities for employment.
Finally, as an advocate of a low-carbon economy, renewable energy will afford Guyana its goal of a green economy, thereby helping to lessen the threatening peril of Climate Change.