THE dawn of a new year always brings with it a renewed sense of hope and optimism. The year 2024 is no different. Such optimism is rooted in the continuing economic growth and prosperity which had characterised the preceding years which saw the country’s economy experiencing one of the highest growth rates in the world.

This growth rate, according to the most recent Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) report is expected to continue with a projected growth of 39.2% in 2024, making the country one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy regional economic growth forecast.

This year commenced with Guyana assuming the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This is indeed a positive development especially at this time when the region is playing a key role in the preservation of peace and stability in the region especially in face of threats to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by Venezuela.
As pointed out by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali who now assumes the role of President of the CARICOM, peace in the region remains a top priority, even as emphasis will be placed in ensuring that the region becomes food and energy secure.

“As the incoming Chairman of the CARICOM I extend warm New Year’s greetings to all citizens across our beloved Caribbean Community. May 2024 be for all of us a year of good remembrance,” said President Ali.
From all indications, 2024 promises to be a good year both for Guyana and the region as a whole. Much progress has been made in the area of food and nutrition, security, and also in terms of the creation of a single market and economy. The free movement of people and skills is a work in progress and according to the President will be intensified this coming year.

On the domestic front, the prospects look good. Several major infrastructural works are likely to commence including the new bridge across the Corentyne River, linking the two neighboring countries of Guyana and Suriname. Mobilisation works on the four-lane bridge across the Demerara River in Wismar, Linden is expected to begin in 2024.

The new four-lane bridge across the Demerara River is picking up momentum. The gas-to-shore project has already started which when completed will reduce the cost of energy by nearly half. New hotels are under construction. The physical landscape of the country is undergoing significant changes.

But, as pointed out by Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the social landscape will also see significant changes in 2024 with a significant injection of disposable income and other interventions such as tax reductions and increased employment opportunities.

The year 2023 has not been without its challenges but we have as a nation risen to the challenges and emerged stronger and better. We owe a debt of gratitude to our leaders President Ali, Vice President Jagdeo, and Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; indeed, the entire PPP/C administration for steering the ship of state safely to land, despite some rough waters.