–President Ali tells diaspora in St. Lucia

GUYANA is on the cusp of a new era that promises unprecedented opportunities and “historic transformation.”
This is why President Dr Irfaan Ali believes Guyanese living abroad should return home to contribute and witness the nation’s metamorphosis first-hand.

The Head of State made this call during an engagement with the Guyanese diaspora in St. Lucia, on Wednesday, where he issued an invigorating call.
“Whenever I travel, especially to countries where we have a diaspora presence…I try to find some time to interact with the diaspora,” President Ali said, highlighting the global footprint of the Guyanese community and their integral role in the homeland’s future.

His vision is not only ambitious but rooted in tangible strides towards economic and social revitalisation and advancement under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government
“We are in a period of transition… I firmly believe that a lot of Guyanese in the diaspora will return home,” he predicted with unwavering confidence.

The President’s discourse was laden with compelling narratives and assurances, painting a picture of a nation on the rise.
“The conditions that drove Guyanese out of Guyana… are quickly changing,” he asserted, projecting an optimistic future where, by 2027-2028, Guyana would not only match but potentially exceed the living and professional standards that many in the diaspora sought elsewhere.

The Head of State delved into the specifics of the transformative agenda underway, addressing the acute shortages in skilled labour that present a challenge locally but an opportunity for the diaspora.
He pointed to the government’s proactive measures in education and workforce development, particularly in healthcare and engineering.

“We have launched a programme… the government will pay for the education, will give you a stipend while you are studying, and I will guarantee you employment by the time you finish,” Dr Ali related, showcasing a commitment to nurturing a home-grown, skilled workforce.

The President also touched on the significant investments being made in the nation’s infrastructure, notably in the oil and gas sector, and the educational sphere.

He also spoke of the multimillion-dollar national skill training centre and the establishment of a world-class Tourism and Hospitality Institute, signalling a robust approach to economic diversification and skill development.

The Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre, a state-of-the-art facility, was recently commissioned as part of the country’s broader strategy to train technicians with the latest digital technologies for offshore operations.
“We just launched the first phase, which is a factor simulator… It’s one of a kind in the world,” Dr. Ali shared, underscoring the global standards Guyana aims to meet and exceed.

However, the transformation envisioned by President Ali extends beyond economic development. It encompasses social empowerment and equity, particularly for women and the youth.
He detailed initiatives aimed at empowering these groups, such as the agri-innovation business model and significant healthcare investments.

“Close to 50 per cent of all the house allocations in the last three years went to women-led households,” he proudly stated, highlighting the administration’s focus on fostering an inclusive and equitable society.

IMMEDIATE SOCIETAL NEEDS
Moreover, the President did not overlook the importance of addressing immediate societal needs while building for the future.
He underscored significant improvements in the healthcare sector, the massive expansion in housing, and the introduction of programmes aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all Guyanese.

“We are working with Mount Sinai as our preferred health partner… We are building six new regional hospitals,” President Ali said, illustrating the government’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
But perhaps most compelling was Dr. Ali’s reflection on the human element of migration and development.

While underscoring the fundamental human longing for hope and progress, President Ali recounted the experience of a woman from the interior, who, with her child strapped to her back, embarked on a three-day walk to attend one of his meetings.

The woman arrived with nothing but cassava bread and water, a testament to her determination and the harsh realities many face.
“She walked for three days to come to the meeting, and she said at the meeting that she came to that meeting because she needed hope,” the President said while reflecting on his responsibilities as a leader and the PPP/C government’s commitment to its citizens.

President Ali said that he used this story to underline the depth of people’s needs and the powerful drive for a better future that motivates them, illustrating the critical importance of the government’s role in providing not just basic needs but also a sense of hope and direction for the future.

His message to the diaspora was imbued with a blend of realism and optimism, as he acknowledged the complexities of development and the patience required therein.
“Listen, it’s not going to happen overnight… But we have to also have patience,” he advised, tempering expectations with the assurance of steady, planned progress.

Dr. Ali’s engagement in St. Lucia was not merely a state update; it was a resonant plea for unity, participation, and belief in a collective future.

As the call to return and contribute echoed across the globe, President Ali said that Guyanese abroad are faced with a momentous decision: To be spectators or active participants in the historic transformation of their homeland.
He reaffirmed that his message is clear: “The dawn of a new era in Guyana beckons, promising a future where the tide has turned, offering a land of opportunity.”

Guyana is currently undergoing many transformative changes – which is set to continue its upward projections backed by the historic $1.146 trillion 2024 budget which is aimed to deliver accelerated improvement to the lives of Guyanese and development.

The 2024 budget provisions include substantial allocations for small business development, skill enhancement, food price stabilisation, and health initiatives, alongside significant tax reliefs and benefits aimed at boosting household incomes and supporting vulnerable groups.

These measures align with the government’s strategy to foster economic growth while addressing inflation and promoting sustainable development.
The World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects” report forecasts remarkable growth for Guyana, with the economy expected to significantly outperform its Caribbean counterparts.

The forecast predicts an astounding 38.2 per cent growth in 2024 and 15.2 per cent in 2025 for Guyana, the highest in the Caribbean.
This growth is underpinned by burgeoning oil production, anticipated to reach around 550,000 barrels per day with the Payara field’s operation.

Moreover, sectors like agriculture and construction are expected to bolster non-oil GDP growth, with the IMF previously estimating a 38.4 per cent GDP growth in 2023 and non-oil real GDP growth exceeding nine per cent.

Looking ahead, Guyana is poised for a robust growth trajectory, driven by private investments in oil, gas, and service industries, and substantial public capital spending, primarily funded by oil revenue transfers.
The IMF projects that the economy will double by 2028, with sustained non-oil GDP growth at 5.5 per cent as the government continues addressing developmental needs.