THE Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc) lauds the bold move aimed at accelerating Guyana’s development trajectory underscored by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to CARICOM leaders, in prioritising the removal of trade barriers hindering regional food-security goals.

Head of R3PSInc Halim Khan noted that the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government emphasised the crucial role of trade facilitation in fostering economic growth and development, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Despite significant investments and initiatives undertaken by Caribbean leaders to achieve regional food security goals, Khan explained that trade barriers among CARICOM member states continue to impede the movement of produce across the region.

Khan noted that President Ali’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing these barriers, which include tariffs, quotas, and other regulations restricting trade.

“President Ali’s plea for the removal of trade barriers resonates, as CARICOM nations strive to slash the region’s exorbitant food-import bill by 25 per cent in the next year. Despite existing challenges, food trade among CARICOM nations has shown promise, with collaborative projects such as the black belly sheep project in Guyana and rice cultivation expansion in Trinidad and Tobago contributing to regional food security efforts,” Khan noted.

In addition to addressing immediate trade concerns, Khan underscored the alarming statistics indicating a rise in food insecurity, stressing the urgency of concerted efforts to tackle these pressing issues.

Meanwhile, he said Guyana’s focus on digital transformation signals a new era of opportunity and growth for the country’s youth. With the inauguration of the ‘One Guyana Digital’ (1GD) initiative, a collaboration between the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and Toronto Metropolitan University, Guyana aims to bolster digital literacy and foster economic and social development.

“President Ali highlighted the transformative potential of the 1GD initiative, viewing it as a cornerstone for individual and collective advancement. With Canada’s Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, announcing a significant contribution to the initiative, the partnership underscores international support for Guyana’s digital ambitions,” he added.

He explained that the 1GD programme, designed to train 2,000 Guyanese individuals as full-stack developers, represents a strategic investment in building Guyana’s digital capacity. With a notable emphasis on inclusivity, the initiative aims to empower women and indigenous peoples, fostering inclusive growth and development.

“As Guyana embarks on its digital journey, the importance of integrating digital literacy with the country’s growth trajectory is essential and with President Ali’s visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, Guyana is poised to become a hub for digital services, unlocking new opportunities for its citizens and driving sustainable development,” he added.

Khan echoed President Ali’s call for the removal of trade barriers and underscored that his government’s commitment to digital transformation signals a new chapter in Guyana’s development story. “With a focus on inclusive growth, innovation, and collaboration, Guyana is poised to realise its full potential on the regional and global stage.”

He added: “With the ‘One Guyana’ vision and under the leadership of President Ali as Chairman of CARICOM, it is imperative that we strive for ‘One Caribbean.’ This was evident during the momentous meeting’s opening, characterised by musical renditions and drumming. The positive and encouraging sounds that resonated in the air were devoid of vulgarity, a focus we must encourage the youth to embrace.”