–President Ali details development strategy

LOWER electricity costs, more work to address social issues and enhanced agriculture are on the cards for Region One (Barima-Waini), as President Dr. Irfaan Ali has outlined a transformative blueprint that will see the region becoming a major development hub.

President Ali, on Saturday, at a public meeting in Port Kaituma, outlined to the residents how the government will help the region build economic self-sufficiency, from revitalising the cocoa and coffee industries, building a new wharf and cold storage facility, and targeting transportation costs.

Joined by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other officials, the President pointed to how the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s support has grown, and this is because citizens are recognising the hard work of the administration.

“We don’t have an elections strategy; we have a development strategy,” he said, affirming that the government always stands with the people.

Although each region has seen development in every area, from health, education, infrastructure and village development since 2020, the President pointed out that this is just beginning.

At the heart of the government’s agenda is its intention to continue reducing the cost-of-living through a number of initiatives, the Head of State said.

As of August 1, the cost of electricity for consumers from the Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. (PKPL) was reduced by 30 per cent; this will be further reduced by 30 per cent as part of a $110 million subsidy already in place, Dr. Ali noted.

The toll at the Four Miles bridge will be removed, the President said, noting that this is a step by the government for citizens to enjoy the quality of life, given that vehicles will be able to traverse freely.

Region One will become the coffee and cocoa capital of the Caribbean, President Ali told the residents, noting that a facility will be built, and the government will provide support every step of the way.

Region One will also be connected to the $1 billion port and wharf facility, which is being developed at Charity, Guyana, to enhance trade and economic activity in the Essequibo region and the wider Caribbean.

President Ali also announced that the government will be investing in a new wharf and a cold storage facility so that farmers can store their produce for an extended period.

He said: “That is how we give people a better opportunity; by creating opportunity, by opening up opportunity. And in all the villages we are going to invest, as I said, to expand the production. We hope to ensure that we build more accommodation for the growing number of nurses, doctors and teachers that are coming to your region…”

There will also be a special programme called the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and this will aid the government in addressing poverty in Region One.

Focusing on the social issues plaguing Baramita, President Ali said that there will be collaboration with the church and other stakeholders to address the peculiar issues.

A special literacy programme is also being rolled out to empower residents.

Protecting the waterways in the hinterland is also a top priority for the government, President Ali said, noting that there will be a special initiative in which the rivers and other waterways will be cleaned.

He said: “To enhance water access and quality, the government will also invest in micro water-treatment facilities.”

Government services such as passport applications will be brought to the hinterland, the President assured the residents.

INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE

President Ali pointed to the PPP/C’s track record and urged residents not throw away 75 years of services, struggle and leadership for Guyana.

He said: “We have fought for you. Do not let anyone who is seasonal come with their one day goodie and believe they can remove or rewrite seventy-five years of struggle and leadership. No one-day excitement; no one-day opportunism disguising as charity, no one-day evil disguised as charity can take away or erase 75 years of service and struggle and leadership for the people of this country, especially our Amerindian brothers and sisters.”

The President said that with or without oil, the PPP/C has also ensured that Guyanese live a comfortable and quality life. Staying the course with the PPP/C, according to Dr. Ali, would result in better health, education, and social services and other developments.