–as President Ali meets with outgoing country director
PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted the World Bank as an extraordinary partner in Guyana’s development, as discussions on Monday surrounded education priorities, climate resilience and drainage.
The discussions took place during a meeting at State House with outgoing World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, who is on her final country visit.
According to a statement from the President’s office, the engagement focused on advancing key sectors central to Guyana’s development agenda, including ongoing efforts to strengthen the education system, enhance climate resilience, and improve drainage and irrigation systems.
Among the major projects highlighted was the successful installation of the Liliendaal “bullet” drainage pump, which was a significant intervention aimed at reducing flooding along the coast.
It was stated that the US$6 million pump station forms part of a decade-long partnership between Guyana and the World Bank, geared towards building resilience in both urban and rural communities vulnerable to rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns.
Against this backdrop, Dr Ali expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s longstanding support, describing the institution as “an extraordinary partner” in the country’s development journey.
Meanwhile, also present at the meeting were Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally.
That engagement signalled the government’s continued focus on leveraging strategic partnerships as part of Guyana’s transformative development agenda.
