A GUYOIL gas station constructed at Buxton-Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD) at a cost of US$400,000 (Gy$80M) opened its doors to business on Sunday, and is expected to provide jobs for more than 70 Guyanese.Overseas-based Guyanese Morris Wilson, who embarked on the investment — which he said is not yet fully completed — explained that a Church’s Chicken franchise will be erected just next to the gas station; a Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) branch will also be there, as would a medical building which would be equipped with two Cuban-trained doctors and a pharmacy.

Now resident in the USA, Morris is originally from Buxton.
President David Granger has lauded the investment, calling it an “economic renaissance”.

“When I come here today, it is an emotional time for me, because I believe it is a form of economic renaissance. Even though it is small, I believe it is very significant because it occurred here,” the President said, adding that the area has played a major role in promoting village life over the years.

He also expounded on the fact that villages such as Buxton and Friendship were producing products which fed immigrants.

“These villages fed immigrants who came into the country. At one time, we were exporting mules, fish, cocoa, etc,” the Head of State said. And this is the climate the Head of State hopes can be recreated in the near future.

“As I come here today, it is a journey of hope — that this initiative will trigger other activities by other members of the diaspora who want to see the country of their birth prosper,” the President said.

Noting that he loves and has great respect for the diaspora, President Granger said the diaspora possesses capital and tremendous determination, while Guyana has the land and labour.

He noted that members of the diaspora need to “do more than talk and write… [and] put their money where their mouths are,” by investing in Guyana.

“Guyana is divided in two; half (of the population is) living in South America and half in North America. But I don’t see any distinction. I think those persons in the diaspora should see themselves (in the) same way and invest,” he opined.

But even with investment, the President pointed out, there is need for these villages to play a supportive role in promoting and fostering economic growth and development.

“I see Buxton and other villages as economic powerhouses,” he said, adding that without land, residents of these villages will be confined to wage labour forever.

He underscored the need for innovation, which he contended frees people from wage labour. The President reasoned that too many people rely on waged labour and shun enterprise. Some of these people, he said, see comfort in getting a small wage at the end of the month, and being satisfied. However, he noted that if one wants to take advantage of the bounty of this country, then one must take advantage of the opportunities available.

“Go into the hinterland and start production of the major commodities which are needed for our growing population,” he encouraged.

He also stressed the need for infrastructure development, and emphasised on other factors which help to encourage investment. One of those factors, he said, is literacy, which is critical in determining employment rates, particularly with foreign investors.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Chairman of the Board of Guyoil, Lance Carberry, who welcomed Wilson to the “Guyoil family”.

With Guyoil being a state-owned company, since most of its shares are owned by NICIL, Carberry explained, the main role of the company is to ensure that Guyanese are supplied with affordable quality fuel.

The chairman also revealed that the self-financed Guyoil has a net value of $2B, and is expected to introduce an electronic inventory in the near future. He noted that the business environment has become increasingly competitive, but Guyoil has been working assiduously to ensure it remains in the competition while providing Guyanese with quality products and services.