IN Guyana’s lush forested lands, thousands of Indigenous peoples have long relied on the healing properties of medicinal plants in their traditional healthcare practices. Passed down through generations orally, President Dr. Irfaan Ali envisions a future where the forest becomes a source of pharmaceuticals for modern healthcare.
Speaking at a recent discussion on Guyana’s forestry preservation at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, President Ali emphasised the potential of the country’s vast forest resources.

“Our forest has tremendous potential in pharmaceuticals; the indigenous community has already demonstrated their reliance on the forest’s pharmaceutical values through what we term traditional medicine,” President Ali remarked during the engaging discourse with patrons and students.
He revealed plans for the establishment of an innovation centre to facilitate research and development efforts in this direction.
“As a country, one of the initiatives we’re working on is the establishment of an innovation centre where research and development can transition into innovation, followed by the development of marketable products,” he explained.

However, the President stressed the importance of redefining perspectives on research and its role in driving progress.
“We need a clear path from research to action; research without action is futile,” he emphasised. He challenged the notion that research should merely occupy shelves, stating that its true purpose is to stimulate transformation, growth, and opportunity.

He asserted that Guyana’s focus should be on leveraging research outcomes to effect change and enhance development.
“Our policy position is to position Guyana as a global hub for the study of biodiversity, ecosystems, and notably, pharmaceuticals,” President Ali emphasised.
The establishment of an innovation centre reflects Guyana’s commitment to harnessing its natural resources for the betterment of healthcare and scientific advancement. As the nation looks towards the future, the blending of traditional wisdom with modern research holds the promise of unlocking new horizons in pharmaceuticals and holistic healthcare.