GUYANA has come a long way since becoming a Republic on February 23, 1970. Some 54 years later, the country is experiencing tremendous economic growth and there are signs of an improved standard of living and more access to basic necessities such as potable water.

These improvements are largely due to the country’s budding oil and gas industry and the PPP/C’s continued focus on making life better for everyone.
Guyana, as it stands today, represents a beacon of hope and a certainty that every citizen will have a bright future.

Developments in education, health, agriculture, public infrastructure and many other sectors cannot be ignored. The government of the day has recognised the importance of a happy population and its connection to economic growth and prosperity.

Every year, billions of dollars are pumped into critical sectors, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese.
Guyanese students continue to excel at the regional and international levels. These outstanding performances are the result of our hardworking teachers and the investments made by stakeholders.

Further, government has been pumping resources into the sector to help bridge the gap that exists between the hinterland and the coastland. There are now smart classrooms in some schools and free meals and text books are distributed to learners. Additionally, $40, 000 will be distributed to parents before the commencement of the new school year.

The GOAL scholarship programme, free Coursera courses and a plethora of degrees and master’s programmes in a wide variety of areas at foreign-based universities are evidence of the commitment to ensuring that Guyanese in every corner of this country can access education and upskill themselves so as to be marketable both locally and abroad.

New roads are being built to address traffic congestion caused by the increasing number of vehicles on our roadways. Existing roads and bridges in communities across the country are being rehabilitated to ensure the comfort of the travelling public.

The road that will be a crucial link between Guyana and Lethem is under construction and it is anticipated that later this year, the Soesdyke-Linden highway will be rehabilitated and the work on the proposed bridge linking Guyana and Suriname will begin.

The health sector has seen extensive advancement as efforts continue to improve the quality of and access to healthcare. New hospitals are currently under construction and other hospitals and health facilities have been rehabilitated or outfitted with modern pieces of equipment. Cancer and other non-communicable diseases will be given a lot of attention this year.

Health authorities are working around the clock to keep the numbers down and offer aggressive and affordable treatment to all patients.
Additionally, thousands of affordable house lots have been distributed over the last three years and government has put systems in place to clear the backlog of housing applications and to make construction of houses easier for the average working person.

The entire world has their eyes on Guyana and this is a clear indication that we are doing something right. Hundreds of foreign companies have opened operations here and many more and looking for ways to get it.

Guyana is also doing its part to ensure food security in the region and help increase the high food import bill. Already, there is an increased production of vegetables and crops such as corn and soya.

A lot of attention is also being given to hydroponics and aquafarming.
It is impossible to list all the good things that have happened in the last 54 years, but what is clear is that Guyana has a bright future ahead.