MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall has reaffirmed the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to continue with Guyana’s development in spite of challenges faced under the new political dispensation.

Referring to President Donald Ramotar’s New Year’s message to the nation about 2015 being a year of continued development, Nandlall said the message ought to be viewed from a holistic perspective.
“It seeks to outline a plan which is a continuation of a developmental trajectory started under this administration several years ago, and the going forward of this plan towards the attainment of set objectives.”
During the National Communication Network’s ‘Political Scope’ programme on January 9, Minister Nandlall said 2015 is a link in that chain of development as President Ramotar had pointed out the consistency of economic growth over the years. In 2014, Guyana experienced its ninth consecutive year of economic growth.
Minister Nandlall noted it is a fact that Guyana has continued along a positive growth path as it has been able to keep inflation rate in single digit figure, and interest rates at the bank stable; all of which speak to sound macro-economic factors which the administration has worked hard to achieve.
“Once we have these mechanisms in place then we can move forward to advance the developmental trajectory of our country, and it is in that context that the President’s speech ought to be situated in my respectful view.”
Reiterating some of the developmental plans for 2015, the Attorney General spoke of several new modern highways on which works are expected to commence shortly. Some of these will include the continuation of the East Bank and East Coast four-lane road, the West Coast of Demerara, the East Bank of Berbice and the new highway into the city from Diamond to Eccles.
On January 8, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi informed President Donald Ramotar that his country has approved a US$50M line of credit for the East Bank Demerara road development, US$8M to assist in the acquisition of an ocean ferry vessel, and the establishment of an Information technology centre.
“…Having achieved the important macroeconomic stability we now have to look at the other aspect of development so the linking of road ways is a significant step in that direction,” Minister Nandlall said.
He added that the administration has recognised this aspect of development, and how important it is to make available, quick access from production sites to market, and having modern roadways for the country.
Speaking of other investment plans for 2015, he pointed to construction of the bridge over the Corentyne River linking Guyana and Suriname, a paved highway to Brazil and a new modern deep water harbour.
These, the Minister reiterated are significant transformational projects which may not all materialise in 2015, but this is the year where the foundational works will begin.
“Work indeed has already commenced at Crabwood Creek where the bridge across the Corentyne is expected to fall, a Memorandum of Understanding exists between the Government and a consortium in Brazil in relation to the road from Lethem to Linden, and then from Linden we have to determine how you move to reach the deep water harbour.”
The intention, he explained, is to provide for a deep-water harbour and access to the Atlantic Ocean to Brazil.
“For years now we have been speaking about South to South trade and development, and for years we have recognised that that is where we have to go; Brazil is the fifth largest economy in the world.”
With these developments coming on stream and Guyana being opened to the south and new possibilities, Nandlall noted that the administration has to ensure that it is ready and qualified to access the type of assistance that will be offered.
“A bridge over the Corentyne River for example will link Cayenne, Paramaribo, Nickerie to Guyana onto Brazil via the highway and the Takutu Bridge; we are already linked; now Berbice, the road will take you to Brazil and the link continues beyond. Now that must be impetus for economic transformation in this part of the world.”
Further, the minister said all these development speak to the administration’s grand vision for taking Guyana and more so its people forward. He pointed to the fact that every policy crafted by the Government is people driven and inspired.
However, he noted that in moving forward in spite of the challenges, the administration will continue to persevere in making its plans for Guyanese a reality. (GINA)