Continuing on the path to progress

We have just ushered in 2011 and it is important that we reflect on the significant achievements as well as challenges of the past year.  

Guyana’s economy has performed well in 2010, experiencing positive economic growth despite the global financial meltdown, and can also boast a foreign exchange reserve of around US$800 million. But crime and the security situation have proven challenging in the last year, despite notable successes. 

There have been numerous investment opportunities throughout the country; but, on the other hand, the sugar industry, one of our main foreign exchange earners, has faltered. 

The  social sectors have also seen tremendous improvements during the past year, but there is no doubt that more can be done to bring them to peak performance. 

Notwithstanding that, the housing sector must be highlighted as one of the success stories of 2010. It has experienced significant growth, and the country is currently experiencing the largest housing boom in its history. The public–private partnership between government and the private sector has resulted in many families, including the poor and vulnerable, not only receiving their land titles, but also owning their own homes; and it was heartening to see the vigour with which the private sector has led the way in this regard. 

In the education sector, a number of projects were implemented that would see education management and delivery being transformed, with deeper involvement of parents and communities in general to reverse the tide of illiteracy. Some of these measures have already produced the desired results, and others will pick up pace in 2011. In addition, the administration is also in the process of setting up a learning channel that will be used to complement the efforts already being made in improving literacy and numeracy across the country.  It should be mentioned, too, that a US$30 million project will soon see 90,000 poor families receiving laptop computers. 

In the area of healthcare delivery, quite a few hospitals and treatment centres were built and others were renovated to offer improved medical services to Guyanese. However, in the latter part of the year, a number of maternal deaths rocked the country and created much negative publicity for healthcare professionals and the entire health care system. It is our hope that, for 2011, all efforts will be made to significantly reduce the number of maternal deaths in the country, since this situation is highly unacceptable.  

On the international scene, Guyana is now being viewed as a leader in the fight against climate change. The country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) continues to receive much acclaim. Most of us would agree that it is a well-thought-out strategy, covering all the relevant issues in relation to Guyana’s efforts to tackle the negative effects of climate change, and at the same time find ways to push our development. Guyana has already identified crucial projects to be funded under the Guyana–Norway deal that will see our country receiving up to US$250 million over a period of 15 years, based on the country’s successes in limiting emissions and halting deforestation. This money will be of tremendous help in implementing the LCDS, and would also greatly boost our country’s efforts in addressing poverty and other issues affecting our citizens. 

Further, in November 2010, Guyana, through its president, Bharrat Jagdeo, has confidently taken over the chairmanship of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). This will definitely raise the profile of our country on the international stage, since it is the first time a small nation like ours is chairing such a powerful grouping. 

Our country is indeed on a steady path to realising its developmental aims. As we plan for this new year, it is important that Guyanese, both at home and abroad, understand and appreciate the level of progress that is being made in various areas of our country’s development, despite limited resources and other constraints. Let us continue to work feverishly together in peace and racial harmony in the interest of our country. We hope that 2011 will bring happiness and prosperity to every Guyanese.