–gov’t investing billions to improve lives and livelihoods, President Ali says

OVER the past four years, billions of dollars have been invested in hinterland communities across Guyana to better the lives of citizens, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali said.
“If you look at the impact and opportunities that these investments would have created in your community, it shows that we were able to work with you on delivering projects,” the Head of State told hundreds of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) residents, during a recent community outreach.
At Monkey Mountain, President Ali said that funding has been made available to assist the community with the construction of a village mechanic shop, while $12 million has been made available to support the construction of a multipurpose facility.
Meanwhile, some $5 million will facilitate the construction of an art and women centre, while another $5 million each will go to a block making project and the construction of shade houses.
“In this community, there is tremendous opportunity to build prosperity,” the President said.

These investments total a sum of $42 million. President Ali further reflected on the tremendous achievements that have been made in the hinterland community over the past four years.
He highlighted that the government had invested close to $600 million in the community.
The Head of State also visited the community of Kurukabaru, where he disclosed that the government intends to invest $80 million.
“We have to ensure that we work together. As we build this new Guyana, every community, every citizen, every household, every corner of our country is touched with development, and by development. And that is why we are going across the country, so that we can communicate with you,” President Ali said.

He further highlighted that the government had invested in various communities across Guyana, including the Amerindian communities, to bring back lost jobs, and create livelihood opportunities.
“Over the last four years, we have been able, as a government, to invest heavily in your community,” President Ali said.
He pointed out that $669 million has been invested under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, while the Ministry of Education invested some $89 million. The Guyana Energy Agency invested almost $54 million, $47 million was invested by the Ministry of Health, while almost $18.5 million was invested by Ministry of Agriculture.

A further $50 million was invested by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, more than $90 million by Ministry of Public Works, and $45 million by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
These investments, he pointed out, accumulated to billions and already in Kurukabaru, the government has constructed a high-speed internet facility, purchased ATVs for cattle rearing project, and completed a sewing centre.
Funding, he said, was made through presidential grants, the country’s sale of its carbon credits and supplementary budget funding.
The government, as he pointed out, was able to allocate additional funds in the budget to facilitate the development of the hinterland.