…President Ali advocates for investment in housing, agriculture

CONTINUING to prove himself as a man of the people with a commitment to the community, President Dr. Mohamed Ali held an impromptu breakfast meeting with a team of Georgetown athletes on Saturday during which he stressed the critical importance of harnessing young talent and seizing investment opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., and Shawn Gurcharran, CEO of Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI), President Ali underscored the significance of investing in agriculture, housing, and sport as essential strategies for creating new opportunities and opening doors for young people of Guyana.

Speaking to the group of young professionals and athletes, President Ali elaborated on the various investment opportunities available in Guyana. He highlighted the government’s tunnel house agricultural initiative as a prime example.
“I want to discuss with you all an opportunity to bring 27 of you together in one of the areas we are developing for agriculture in a modern way.
“The investment we’re looking at involves each of you contributing about $300,000. This would enable you to own a business—a tunnel house that $50 million. I am here to help create that opportunity and open that door for you.”

The President also turned his attention to the housing sector, urging the young men to engage with the young professionals’ housing initiative. “What I want you guys to achieve is greatness for yourselves and your families. Achieving greatness for yourselves and your families will, in turn, bring greatness to the country. I am telling you from now on, block out the noise. As long as the PPP is in government, and as long as I am President, you have my full support.”

Shawn Gurcharran GEO of GBTI, introduced the new GBTI Grow programme, which is aimed at supporting small and micro businesses. He noted that the President’s intervention is timely, as the GBTI Grow programme plans to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to foster small business development and enhance food security.
“Once we establish a framework with the Ministry, we will set you up with access to financing for the projects envisioned by the President,” Gurcharran explained.

Despite the variety of opportunities available, Gurcharran emphasised the need for dedication and commitment from young entrepreneurs. “With the plethora of opportunities available in Guyana right now, everyone can make something of themselves in a short period. But it requires your commitment and understanding of the business,” he shared.
Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha also engaged with the young men, noting the growing participation of youth in agriculture.

“There’s a perception that agriculture is for older people. But President Ali is changing that perception not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean,” Mustapha said. He pointed out that Guyana is playing a key role in the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) food security agenda. “Since President Ali took office, he has been leading the food security agenda, and Guyana is now looked to by the entire Caribbean for leadership in this area.”
Mustapha also highlighted the potential of the tunnel house investment, stating, “This program that the President mentioned, involving the tunnel house and the poultry component, will be very lucrative for you, the young people. By December, you could have your first crop and a very bright Christmas, provided we work together.”

The discussion also included contributions from the Minister of Sport and various sports officials, reflecting the government’s broader goal of fostering a balanced economy through supporting diverse young professionals. The aim is to develop a robust economy by empowering youth across various sectors, ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive. The government’s commitment to crafting a balanced economy through diverse youth opportunities remains a priority.