—as gov’t seeks overseas investment for infrastructural projects to accelerate transformation agenda

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday announced that the Government of Guyana will launch a diaspora bond within one week, creating a new investment mechanism aimed at mobilising overseas Guyanese to help finance major public infrastructural projects.
The announcement, made during a press conference at the National Stadium, Providence, marks what could become one of the government’s most significant diaspora-financing initiatives as Guyana accelerates its national development agenda.
“I want to announce that the Government of Guyana will launch a special bond, a diaspora bond, to raise funds from the diaspora for investment in public infrastructure projects in Guyana. Within one week, we’ll be launching the diaspora bond” President Ali disclosed.
The President said the initiative is designed to give Guyanese living abroad a direct opportunity to participate in the country’s transformation while contributing to national development projects.
“So, members of the diaspora, here is your opportunity to make your contribution and to be part of the massive transformation taking place in our country,” he said.
Although government has not yet disclosed details regarding the size of the bond, expected returns, eligibility requirements or targeted projects, the announcement comes at a time when Guyana is pursuing billions of dollars in investments across transportation, healthcare, housing, energy and digital infrastructure.
The move also signals a broader effort by the administration to deepen financial and economic ties with the Guyanese diaspora, many of whom have continued to play a major role in remittances, investment and skills transfer.
Diaspora bonds are specialised debt instruments issued by governments to attract investment from citizens living overseas. Several countries, including India and Israel, have previously used such instruments to raise capital for national development initiatives.
The Head of State has long called on the diaspora to return home to invest and participate in Guyana’s development.
Earlier this month, President Ali, while addressing members of the Guyanese Diaspora at the Pearson Centre in Brampton, Ontario, said the government had received hundreds of responses ahead of the engagement, many of which reflected optimism about Guyana’s future and a growing desire among overseas-based Guyanese to contribute to development.
“We received close to 600 emails,” the Head of State disclosed. He explained that 420 of those messages were “about complementing development and sharing encouraging words,” while 159 inquiries focused on six major categories, and another 45 involved personal issues, including land disputes and neighbourly concerns.
According to the President, the largest share of concerns submitted by diaspora members related to business investment, finance and economic development.
“Guess what is the top issue today? How can we invest? How can we be part of the development? How can we own a home? How can we be part of the building out of Guyana?” Dr Ali said, adding that the trend signalled a major shift in perceptions of the country.
He explained that 20 per cent of the 159 inquiries fell into the business investment, finance and economic development categories, while housing, land and property accounted for 16.4 per cent.
Travel, tourism, migration and diaspora affairs represented 11.9 per cent, followed by security, infrastructure and public service at 10.7 per cent. Health, education and environmental services made up 7.5 per cent of inquiries.
Dr Ali noted that issues surrounding public trust, transparency, accountability and inclusivity accounted for 10 per cent of the concerns, while another 10 per cent focused on persons offering consultancy, technological and other professional services to support Guyana’s growth.
Reflecting on years of engagement with overseas Guyanese, the President said the decline in security concerns represented a significant turning point.
He stated, “I’ve been coming to diaspora engagement for decades, and the top issue used to be security. Today, it is the last issue on the minds of those persons. “That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative.”
Dr Ali said the feedback from overseas Guyanese reflected a population increasingly eager to reconnect with the country through business, property ownership and professional expertise, rather than expressing anxiety about instability.
“That tells you a story,” the President said while reflecting on the trend in diaspora inquiries. “That tells you that the story of Guyana is one that is positive and one that is transformative. And this alone tells about the different period in our history.”
The Guyanese leader had also used the forum to encourage diaspora members to consider opportunities in Guyana’s expanding housing sector, particularly through investment in the planned Silica City development.
“We are building a new city. That city is called Silica City,” he said. “It is designed to be a city of sustainability, a city of wellness, a city of the future… basically, it is a city 50 years ahead of its time.”
“This is not a dream. We have already started the work in this city,” he said, noting that the first 200 homes are nearing completion and that additional investment has been secured for future phases