Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me a small space in your newspaper to express my congratulations to the Minister of Finance for coming up with such a progressive budget in such a timely manner.
The government has spent much time telling us that they intend to pursue a green path of development, I believe this is timely, considering the fact of climate change about which I am very concerned, being a resident of coastal Georgetown. Editor, to be honest, I am usually skeptical of promises made by politicians.

After watching the live streaming of the minister’s budget speech, and hearing the remarks about the green economy, I went to the ministry’s website and actually read the remarks. Section 4.14 of the budget says, “Additionally, under the renewable energy programme, in 2017, we will install the first ever solar farm, on a large scale, in Mabaruma. A sum of $264 million has been budgeted for this exciting event. When operational, the 400-kilowatt solar farm will afford an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents of Mabaruma.

“Furthermore, our government has also advanced the pursuit of additional solar farms with a capacity of 800 kilowatts at Lethem, 400 kilowatts at Mahdia, and 1.5 megawatts at Bartica. To complement public sector investment, the Government will be granting a one-off tax holiday of two years for corporation tax to importers of items for wind and solar energy investments, and for investors in water treatment, waste disposal, and recycling facilities.

These interventions, when finalised, will significantly improve the lives of our people, especially in the hinterland, by incentivising behavioural change, boosting investor confidence, and ensuring energy reliability. ‘
Editor, I am happy to see my government putting our money where it should go.

Regards
Anthony James-Christian