THE year 2023 has commenced on a note of optimism. The country is poised for great developments both in terms of infrastructure and human resource development, which will lay the foundation for sustained and accelerated growth and development.

These developments, however, transcend the boundaries of the Guyanese nation-state. As stated by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyanese can expect tremendous investments from the PPP/C government in 2023, which will lay the foundation for sustainable development way beyond 2023.

According to the Guyanese President, the government wants to establish a post-2030 state that will be the energy and industrial capital in the Caribbean; a prime tourism destination; a regional food-security hub; a transportation hub and a competitive, knowledge-based and low-carbon development nation.

This is not wishful thinking on the part of President Ali. In fact, the stage has already been set for the strategic repositioning of Guyana to become a regional leader in a number of key and critical areas vital for the region’s growth and developmental trajectory.

Guyana under the PNC regime was once considered the laughing stock of the Caribbean. This was particularly so during the 1970s and the 1980s, when Guyanese were singled out for differential treatment at regional airports out of fear that they may escape immigration authorities.

Such was the wretched state of the Guyana economy that any country in the region was considered a better economic destination by the Guyanese people. Many were forced to endure all manner of indignities simply to survive. Guyana had become a regional liability.

Not anymore. With the return of the PPP/C to power on October 1992, there was a gradual but systematic reversal of fortunes, reaching a stage where the country is now regarded as a regional powerhouse.

President Ali has indicated on multiple ocassions that the oil revenues will be used not only to advance the living standards of the Guyanese people, but also the people of the region as a whole. This is indeed a noble gesture on the part of President Ali whose regional and international profile is on the ascendancy.

The President only recently attended the inauguration ceremony of President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva, where he joined other world leaders in that historic development. Brazil is not only Guyana’s neighbour, but also the two countries are linked economically, culturally and infrastructurally. Developments in Brazil could potentially impact Guyana’s development and vice-versa.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently on a visit to Guyana after attending the inauguration ceremony. During his four-day official visit, Prime Minister Gonsalves is expected to meet with President Ali and several top government officials where a number of areas of cooperation will be discussed.

And President Ali will in a matter of a few days be bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Salman Award (PBSA) for 2023 by the Government of India; this is the highest honour conferred to overseas Indians.

These are manifestations of the growing recognition of the leadership role of President Ali and the respect with which he is held by the international community. In all of this, it is Guyana and the Guyanese people who are the real winners. An active role on the international stage not only enhances the country’s international profile, but also results in greater overseas investments and a boost to tourism.

As the country continues along the path of modernisation and transformation, the greater will be the country’s appeal and attractiveness by the international community. The impact of oil is now having a transformative impact on the country’s international profile. In the final analysis, it is the Guyanese people and by extension the people of the region as a whole, who are the beneficiaries of such a changing dynamic.