GUYANA has been commended for its unmatched economic growth. This commendation came from Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kenji Okamura, who, in a recent statement, lauded the current administration for strategically positioning the country to benefit from the steadily rising oil revenues.

According to Mr. Okamura, the plans in place by the administration and the strong economic and social gains made are impacting positively on the entire population through better healthcare and educational programmes, housing policies, energy and transportation infrastructure.

Most importantly, these plans are also providing current and future generations with entrepreneurial and work opportunities through very strong economic growth and a more climate-resilient economy.

Without a doubt the country is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth and development. The modernisation and transformation processes currently underway are picking up momentum.
What is significant in all of this, as pointed out by Mr. Okamura, is that the government has managed this transformation successfully within the framework of macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.

Also noteworthy is the fact that efforts are being made by the PPP/C administration to ensure that the economic and social welfare of the Guyanese people are enhanced through investments made by the general population, while averting the risk of economic overheating.

Guyana received further recognition by the IMF for spearheading the effort to lower CARICOM’s food-import bill by 25% by 2025, as the country and region inche closer to attaining food security. The same can be said for regional energy security in which Guyana is also playing a lead role.

Guyana is currently host to the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government during which leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues that are crucial for the region. Among these are climate change and financing, regional security, border issues, regional transportation and other global and hemispheric issues.

In all of this, Guyana’s leadership role is indispensable. Indeed, this acknowledgement was noted by Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in a recent interview, during which he said that the BVI is thrilled about the success and prosperity that Guyana has been experiencing recently.

The region, he said, has high expectations for President Ali, considering his impressive track record of leadership and results-oriented approach.

Visionary leadership is a necessary condition for economic and social prosperity. In this regard, President Ali has been exemplary.