Guyana has come a far way

Dear Editor,

When President Bharrat Jagdeo pointed to the positive fiscal results of the local economy during the first half of 2011, it revealed what the many opposers and negative critics were and are still saying are mere far-fetched figmentations. So, instantly, one can deduce that Guyana’s economy is being built by hard and astute work from the leaders. Also, the hope is that this kind of news will not be made light of. The populace must be informed.

During the past six or seven years, Guyana has been on a significantly elevated growth curve; and his news is pleasant, but not surprising. But why? This is so because, over the last five years, the climb has been slow but sure and steady. So this 5.9 per cent growth is symptomatic of faith in wise investment and long-term strategies. The local exports actually jumped by 30 per cent.

So this is something to really shout about. After all, in many parts of the world, economies are struggling and inflation is difficult to combat. I do think some details are in order here: The non- sugar sector is projected to grow at 3.4 per cent, revised upwards from the original projection of 4.6 per cent and 2.8 per cent at the time of the budget of 2011. Export earnings expanded by 34.6 per cent to US$533.1 million. In fact, Export earnings from sugar increased by 32.4 per cent to US$50.1 million, reflecting a 30.4 per cent increase in quantity shipped to 99,738 tonnes.

Rice continued its trend of successful first crops, with the 2011 first crop being 207,514 tonnes – 23 per cent higher than at the corresponding period in 2010, and the highest first crop in the industry’s history. So rice export earnings expanded by 35.1 per cent to US$92.6 million, mainly attributed to a 26.4 per cent increase in average export price to US$551.4 per tonne, coupled with a 6.8 per cent increase in export volume to 167,945 tonnes. So the leap is most salutary and very welcome. But a word of commendation must go towards the ‘behind-the-scenes’ people.

Guyana’s improved performance is due mainly to investments and innovations in drainage and irrigation; the development of new and more tolerant rice strains; higher yields, and higher acreage of paddy planted. These facts must not be taken for granted. To reach this far and reap these kinds of results, one must remember the hard work of the leaders. This is where people can now be hopeful that Guyana’s future is beginning to look very secure. In other words, people do not have to panic and leave in droves. Right here in Guyana, a solid living can be made.

Yours sincerely,

Seeta Ramgobin