Guyana, IsDB sign framework agreement for reconstruction of Soesdyke-Linden Highway

within the operational framework of enhanced quality and quantities of affordable agricultural products, secure and boost food and nutrition security within the Community,” he said.

On the region’s transportation networks, Phillips said transportation, distribution, and logistics, although pillars of the ACS, remain obstacles, noting: “The region’s transport infrastructural architecture continues to inhibit its intra-regional connectivity.” lated that balanced global action, tackling adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, especially among severely affected small island and low-lying coastal developing countries is needed, citing the decisions made at the last Conference of Parties (CoP), which informed the international commitment on the loss-and-damage fund.

“It remains imperative that as a region we ensure these and other financial commitments are realised to our beneficial interest. For our part, the Government of Guyana has adopted a low-carbon development strategy which focuses on forest climate services and other ecosystem services; stimulation of future growth through clean energy and sustainable economic activities; protection against climate change and alignment of the country’s economic and social policies with global climate goals,” Phillips said.

Addressing the pillar of hemispheric food security, the Prime Minister pointed to CARICOM’s accelerated efforts to reduce the Region’s food-importation bill by 25 per cent by 2025. This project’s purpose is to establish a sustainable import-substitution programme.

“This is to be executed

He reinforced: “Developing transport services which support bringing the people of the Region closer together is paramount, even as we collectively engage in the process of learning more about each other’s countries, cultures, and enhancing trade.”

Addressing climate and energy security, Prime Minister Phillips said climate and energy security must operate in tandem with each other.

While noting that Guyana is now an oil-producing country, the Prime Minister said the government is cognisant of its responsibility to provide access to inexpensive energy to its citizens.

“In positioning itself as a leader in energy security, we project an energy platform in diversified areas such as wind, solar and hydropower. Guyana looks forward to continued engagement within the ACS to ensure the energy future of the Region,” Phillips said.

In closing, the Prime Minister reiterated Guyana’s commitment to the ACS.

“I wish to restate that Guyana remains committed to the Association of Caribbean States and continues to value the important role it plays in regional integration and development,” he said.

SENIOR Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and President of the Islamic Development Bank Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser on Saturday signed a US$200 million framework agreement for the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

This project, according to the Ministry of Finance, will see the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the highway with two lanes undivided, nine bridges, and six culverts with improved design, quality and standards.

The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements providing essential public administration support, improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities.

Last September, Dr. Singh had indicated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration was securing approval of financing to upgrade and repair the Soesdyke-Linden highway.

He had emphasised the importance of this highway, and its dire need for an upgrade. The Finance Minister reiterated the PPP/C administration’s policy to improve and maintain the quality of life across the country.

He also touched on the various projects that indicate this, such as the Mandela to Eccles four-lane highway, and the Linden to Mabura project.

“My assurance to you is that you have in President Ali a central government that is firmly and unwaveringly committed to doing all that we possibly can to continue to improve the lives of the people of Region 10,” Dr. Singh had affirmed.

The Soesdyke-Linden Highway is a 73 kilometres-long, two-lane highway that runs between Soesdyke and Linden in Guyana. The East Bank Public Road connects Soesdyke with Georgetown.

The US$200 million framework agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2023 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Annual Meetings currently underway in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Singh is leading Guyana’s delegation attending those meetings.

Minister Singh and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development Mr. Sultan A. AlMarshad on Friday signed a US$150 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Saudi Fund’s participation in the financing of infrastructural development works for the Housing Sector and Construction of the Wismar Bridge.

Earlier on Friday as well, Dr. Singh signed a MoU with the IsDB concerning the Country Engagement Framework for Guyana for Green, resilient and sustainable infrastructure as well as for supporting economic diversification and doing business.