BY COURDEL JONES – In a resolute statement, President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana emphasized his government’s commitment to translating plans into actions, stating that the country’s transformation would become evident through their initiatives and implementations.
During his address at the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf Ball and Awards Presentation, President Ali discussed Guyana’s promising future and its leadership role in food, energy, and climate security.
He asserted that Guyana would lead in climate security, play a significant role in energy security, and become a regional leader in food security over the next seven years.
President Ali expressed a strong commitment to elevating traditional sectors, including health and education, by investing heavily in them.
His commitment extended to various industries, such as services and tourism, with the aim of propelling Guyana to new heights.
President Ali declared, “We’re done talking. We’re going to do it,” signifying a shift from rhetoric to tangible actions for national development.
Revitalizing the Agricultural Sector:
President Ali discussed his administration’s efforts to transform Guyana’s agricultural sector into a thriving business market.
The government set a goal to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25% by 2025, focusing on critical policies, budget allocations, and other necessary measures.
Agriculture, for Guyana, is not limited to food production; it must be competitive, profitable, and appealing to women and young people. The government has launched a program to ensure that 35% of all new farms are owned by women and young people.
The President’s vision includes re-engineering the entire food production system, creating a regional food hub, and digitalization strategies in partnership with organizations like the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA). Discussions are underway to establish institutions that support these goals, such as converting Guyana’s School of Agriculture into a regional institution under the IICA brand.
President Ali emphasized that bridging the gap in achieving food security and addressing related challenges would require substantive contributions from organizations like the IICA.
