Investments in Guyana have been propelling rapidly and Guyana is being promoted as a country that offers prime investment opportunities. Only recently, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment Geoff Da Silva reported that investments have surpassed expectations this year.

Prime Minister Hinds cuts the ribbon to declare the Sol gas station officially open.

The first Sol Shell Gas station in Berbice, Region Six, has been commissioned.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, commissioned the service station. He said that the fuel station is very important since it plays an integral role in supplying the needs of motor vehicle users.

He lauded Sol for its commitment to further develop and keep the faith in Guyana’s economy. He also used the opportunity to pledge Government’s commitment to further development.

Mr. Hinds encouraged investors to empower the sector which would assist in further development of the country and create job opportunities in numerous areas.

He noted that Government is looking at ways to develop the country, especially Region Six.

“We are promoting Berbice in a very big way and we are seeing a shift. People are very interested in going to Berbice to explore what we have to offer.”

Guyana has made enormous changes in its policy to encourage and support investment; and according to Mr. Hinds; much more will be done to ensure its stability.

The newly commissioned Sol gas station.

The country’s investment policy is guided by its National Development Strategy and reflects the needs and recommendations of businesses and consumers.

He pointed to companies, both local and foreign, that have maximised on investment opportunities available in Guyana and which today are growing. He used the opportunity to encourage more investments.

Mr. Hinds also stated that efforts are being made to diversify markets so that investors can be provided with expanded opportunities.

He also alluded to the issue of climate change. “Climate change is occurring and we need to be acquainted with the strategy and know the importance of reaching an agreement in Copenhagen, and the opportunities for a low carbon development pathway”, he said.

Guyana has been promoting its Low Carbon Development Strategy which seeks to transform the country’s economy while combating climate change. It has since received widespread attention from various sections of society, including the private sector.

Young people were also encouraged to elevate themselves since they are the future of tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman, Zulfikar Mustapha congratulated Sol for investing in the Region.

He noted that over the years, there have been significant improvements in infrastructure in the region, offering an upsurge of opportunities.

He noted that Region Six is becoming increasingly important in the development of the country but stressed that Government alone cannot do it. Mustapha encouraged the private sector to invest, since it plays a very important and critical role. He noted that Central Government, over the years, has been expending huge amount of resources to ensure further development.

“We in the Regional Development Council have been spending more and more resources to ensure that the lives of our citizens are boosted.”

The sum of $291M has been spent in the Region for this year, with the aim of improving and modernising infrastructure.

He disclosed that over the next few weeks, 34 additional community roads will be rehabilitated in rural areas.

Sol’s General Manager, Ken Figarro, thanked the Prime Minister for his support and pledged the organisation’s continued commitment to further development.

Government has over the years invested significant resources to ensure maintenance of the country’s sustainability and viability. (GINA)