GUYANA’s development is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. What the country is now experiencing is holistic development, one that touches the lives of all Guyanese not only in terms of their material well-being but also from a cultural and aesthetic standpoint.

The massive infrastructural programmes are changing the physical landscape of the country in tangible ways. This is particularly evident in the construction sector with a plethora of new buildings and road networks.

But there are other developments that may not be that obvious but are certainly aesthetically enhancing. They do impact on the quality of life of Guyanese, even though in ways that could be considered modest.

Take for example President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana ‘Cut Rose’ Project. The project is picking up momentum with roughly 400 roses being produced each week according to the Agriculture ministry.
According to the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the production of roses is likely to double by February next year. And even though the numbers may appear modest, the project has already impacted on job creation and income generation, especially for single-parent families.

The ‘Cut Rose’ project however goes beyond employment opportunities. According to the Agriculture Minister, the production of local roses would significantly reduce the demand for imported roses and hence less pressure on our foreign exchange reserve.
The fact is that our local roses are as beautiful as any grown in any part of the world and are much more adaptable to our climatic conditions. Indeed, there is nothing more refreshing than waking up and being greeted by a bunch of fresh roses.
Indeed, Guyanese today are much more aesthetically conscious and are investing more of their time and resources in the beautification of their home environments. This culture of flowers is indeed gaining prominence and augers well from a spiritual and aesthetic perspective.

All of this fits nicely in the national beautification project initiated by First Lady Arya Ali. Thanks to the First Lady, the face of Guyana is changing with the construction of several parks and recreational facilities in all regions of Guyana. Among these are the Kingston Seawall project which is already taking shape and expected to be completed in a matter of a few weeks.
Similar enhancement projects were also constructed in Corriverton, New Amsterdam and Tuschen, bringing much joy to children and citizens on the whole. Massive beautification works are also underway in the Albouystown community which is a major transformational project aimed at uplifting the lives of residents.

These projects, according to President Ali, are designed to transform lives and communities while at the same time adding value, creating prosperity and improving living standards and livelihoods.

Man, it is said, cannot live by bread alone. It is this thinking that has influenced the One Guyana vision as envisioned by President Ali, aimed at creating an enabling and people-friendly environment, one in which each and every Guyanese can enjoy life to the fullest.