FUELLED by investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy security, Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) is on track to become the industrial capital of Guyana.
This was according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his feature address at a business networking event hosted by the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry (R3CCI) on Monday evening.
He said that with supporting pillars already enforced, Region Three is being strategically positioned to be a key player in Guyana’s diverse economy.
Boasting vibrant commercial and industrial sectors, the region is well on its way to becoming a powerhouse.
“Region Three is strategically positioned with access to natural resources, agricultural strength, and proximity to major markets, including the Essequibo Coast, Bartica, and the populous Region Four, giving Region Three advantages which must be harnessed,” Dr. Ali said.
To take the region to newer heights, President Ali noted that the government has been making investments in “reliable infrastructure”, thereby ensuring that road networks, bridges, and ports are in place to support the movement of goods and services.
Concurrently, the government has also ensured that access to financing and capital services are readily available to fuel expansion and innovation to meet growing market demands.
“Your government has long recognised the need to invest in the pillars that will transform this region, and support vibrant commercial and industrial sectors, good roads, ports, airports and reliable power supply support efficient movement of goods and services,” President Ali said.
In Region Three, the government has expended tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure, excluding the new Demerara River Bridge, which is one of the country’s largest financial infrastructural undertakings.
Painting a picture of even greater prospects, Dr. Ali pointed out that upon completion of the new bridge and the gas-to-energy project, a new wave of manufacturing and agro-processing will be unlocked, placing the region at the heart of the country’s energy-led transformation.
He cited, too, the construction of a new stadium in the region that will add to the diversification of the local economy.
“Together, this development will not only spur economic growth, but will also foster a vibrant and dynamic social environment, drawing talent, tourism and opportunity from across the nation,” the Head of State said.
He pointed out that with supportive mone-
tary policies, the government has encouraged an expansion of credit to the private sector by an increase of 62 per cent.
There were notable credit increases in mining to 25.8 per cent, agriculture at 95. 6 per cent, manufacturing 57.9 per cent, and services at 60.9 per cent.
“When you look at the spread of lending, and the areas in which you’ve seen accelerated lending, it tells you about a diversified economic portfolio. It tells you about an economy in which the different sectors are stratified for more balanced growth; expansive growth, and it tells you about an economy that is rising on every single front,” President Ali said. He noted, too, that while the government has seen greater lending in the different sectors, there has also been a decline in non-performing loans.
The non-performing loans ratio, which was 11.1 per cent in 2019 dropped to 2.7 per cent by December 2023, and 2.1 per cent last year, the lowest in the Caribbean.
Dr. Ali said: “As we confront the next five years, we’re going to work with you on coinvestment and co-financing opportunities.”
The government, he noted, will be investing in a facility that will provide interest-free loans to small and medium-sized enterprises to target the market size, and ongoing development of the region, creating even more stimulus for commercial and business activity.
Dr. Ali, who is seeking re-election at the upcoming September 1 polls, further urged the gathering to reflect on the momentum that has been built.
He said: “From farm belt to economic powerhouse, from a gateway to destination, from promise to performance, this is Region Three’s moment, and we must seize it.”
In closing, he said: “We have seen in the previous [APNU+AFC] government what economic impact, social impact, the region would have undergone because of a government that did not understand the economic structure of this region… Because of a government that did not care about the economic structure of this region, once vibrant communities were set on the bread line of poverty because of poor governance, poor policies, and an inability to understand how the economy of the region works.”
A major milestone has been reached in the construction of Guyana’s landmark US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, as the final bridge tower, P-35, was completed in June.
New Demerara River Bridge on track!
– As final tower successfully constructed – Bridge more than 90 per cent completed
AMAJOR milestone has been reached in the construction of Guyana’s landmark US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, as the final bridge tower, P-35, was completed, on Saturday evening.
With fireworks to match the momentous occasion, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry, Deodat Indar stood with contractors admiring how much the bridge has progressed.
Minister Edghill hailed the achievement as a turning point in the construction of the project, which is expected to be finished on August 31.
He told reporters that the next milestone event after the pouring and completion of the towers will be the completion of the 17 cable stay sections, which will be 570 meters across the channel.
“By June 15, we would have completed the installation of all of the girders on the eastern side.
“All of the girders on the western side are already in. And what does that mean?
“The bridge would be completely assembled, and it’s just a matter of pouring the concrete, putting in the asphaltic surface, the rails, putting on the lights and the furnishings and the finishings,” he proudly stated.
As he continued to explain how works are moving swiftly, Minister Edghill described the latest actions as a critical step towards completion.
The project, a signature infrastructural goal of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s administration, has remained on track despite challenges such as adverse weather, the Minister said.
Edghill attributed the progress to strong coordination between government and contractors.
The minister said: “The contractor did live up to the expectations; they brought in the additional personnel that was required, and work is moving apace.”
• Continues on Page 4A
We know how to manage and deliver – Edghill
• From on Page 3A
When asked about how the project has remained financially on track, Minister Edghill affirmed: “Because the PPP/C is in government. That’s why we’re able to keep
within budget. We have people who know how to manage, we have people who know how to negotiate.
“We have people who know how to deal with issues and how to resolve issues.”
Responding to criticism and skepticism
from the opposition, the minister dismissed the attempts to downplay the government’s achievements.
Minister Indar echoed similar sentiments and reminded Guyanese that when the PPP/C administration first took office in 2020, this project was part of President’s Ali commitment to the Guyanese people and it is being executed well.
The minister said: “This Harbour Bridge is testament that the President of this country is the right leader at the right time, because this is his leadership.”
He added: “This project is to show the rest of the world that we can build massive structures right here in our country.”
Also, Dr. Paul Zanule Resident Engineer/ Team Leader of Politecnica expressed nothing but positive sentiments regarding the flagship project. He said that the team is looking forward to completing the project.
The bridge is being hailed as a transformational piece of infrastructure for Guyana. It will be the first fixed, high-span, four-lane,
cable-stayed bridge of its kind in South America, stretching 2.65 kilometres and featuring a 23.6-metre driving surface.
A key highlight is the inclusion of a bicycle lane and a 50-metre fixed-high span, eliminating the need for bridge closures due to marine traffic.
The structure will link Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara to La Grange on the West Bank and will accommodate vehicles of all sizes and weights.
Once completed, it is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between key economic regions.
One of its standout features will be a monument bearing the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) symbolising the national pride associated with the structure.
Upon completion, the new bridge is expected to stand not only as a key transport link but as a landmark of engineering, diplomacy, and development. The toll-free crossing will accommodate vehicles of all sizes.
Zero-interest development bank on the horizon to support small businesses
– Jagdeo says financial literacy, access to capital critical to next phase of economic growth
IN a move meant to boost support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo announced that there will be a development bank set up soon. Dr Jagdeo made these remarks while delivering an address to the latest batch of graduates of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), through which close to 40,000 persons have been awarded scholarships for studies at various levels.
The Vice President was, at the time, encouraging the graduates to grasp the opportunities that are being presented as Guyana continues to witness unprecedented economic growth in various sectors. While also encouraging entrepreneurship, he stated, “There will be a bank, a development bank, that will allow zero-interest financing for small and medium-scale businesses.” He went on to add that if people are looking to go down that route, he hopes that they would look at all the opportunities there.
Against this backdrop, he indicated that the government in its next term in office will place a bigger focus on financial literacy and financial empowerment. Just last year, while addressing stakeholders in Guyana’s manufacturing and services sector, Dr. Jagdeo stated that the government was exploring the re-establishment of a development bank that will assist in areas of key financial gaps to provide long-term capital to support transformational projects.
At that time, he emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening and modernising Guyana’s financial sector to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding economy.
During that engagement, he also noted that discussions were underway to introduce new institutions and innovative financial instruments to complement the offerings of existing financial entities.
These tools, he explained, were essential to addressing the evolving needs of businesses and industries.
Vice President
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
Immediate infrastructural needs being met now but unimaginable build out imminent
–Pres Ali says as new as asphalt plant opens amidst local, regional market opportunities – Urges Colombian investors to leverage country’s geographic position
DRIVEN by a multi-dimensional approach to national development, Guyana is strategically positioning itself with the aim of addressing global challenges and needs, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said.
The Head of State while addressing a gathering at the opening of the DROMINC (Dromos Mining and Construction Inc) asphalt plant on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway in May said the country can be seen as a gateway to unlocking new opportunities.
“Guyana’s position globally is not by accident or is not driven by a single barrel shotgun,” Dr. Ali said, highlighting his government’s approach to economic growth.
He said: “In that multi-dimensional approach, we are building a country to address all the global challenges that we face: food security, energy security, climate security, environmental soundness, interconnectivity between states, expansion of markets, improvement of competitiveness and advancement of a country in a digital landscape.”
With more than 40 years of experience in industrial supply and infrastructure development, DROMINC aims to contribute significantly to Guyana’s economic growth and regional connectivity.
The plant is expected to create jobs, support local businesses, and align with Guyana’s vision for investment and development.The aim is for the facility to play a key role in the country’s infrastructural development, building roads, connecting communities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
Guyana, Suriname and Brazil to facilitate cross-border trade, and other projects aimed at transforming the country’s landscape.
Dr. Ali said: “We want also investors who are coming in to look at the capacity we’ve been able to build up here in Guyana.”
The President believes that Guyana can also become a constructive partner, stressing the importance of bilateral partnerships, particularly with Colombia, to leverage Guyana’s geographic location for regional economic expansion and resilience.
To this end, the President noted that the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) will be more than just a facilitator for investments and will build greater synergy between partners.
In Guyana, where the company will further advance its operations, the new plant is expected to create jobs, support local businesses, and align with the country’s vision for investment and development.
The Colombian company has produced three million tonnes of aggregates, and produces 250,000 tonnes of high-standard asphalt annually.
President Ali, in outlining Guyana’s progress and vision, said: “We’re in the first phase of the infrastructure build out. The current infrastructure build out is only to handle the immediate needs. The economy of this country will be built out on such massive scale that infrastructure, connectivity, the
markets and people will be beyond anything we can imagine.”
He cited the Linden to Lethem Road, the new Sandhill Road which will connect the mining communities in Region Seven to urban centres, the development of a new shore-base facility and the new Corentyne River Bridge connecting
Dr. Ali said: “How do we get affordable concrete blocks made in Guyana, in every single market within the region, the CARICOM [Caribbean Community] Region? How do we get precast piles in every single market in the Caribbean? How do we, in research and development, create make a product that will make the region more climate resilient.”
Dr. Ali said: “We want also investors who are coming in to look at the capacity we’ve been able to build up here in Guyana.”
• Continues on Page 7A
‘Bilateral ties to grow infrastructure’
• From Page 6A
The President believes that Guyana can also become a constructive partner, stressing the importance of bilateral partnerships, particularly with Colombia, to leverage Guyana’s geographic location for regional economic expansion and resilience.
To this end, the President noted that the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) will be more than just a facilitator for investments, and will build greater synergy between partners.
Dr. Ali said: “How do we get affordable concrete blocks made in Guyana, in every single market within the region, the CARICOM [Caribbean Community] Region? How do we get precast piles in every single market in the Caribbean? How do we, in research and development, create make a product that will make the region more climate resilient.”
The plant is expected to create jobs, support local businesses, and align with Guyana’s vision for investment and development.
The aim is for the facility to play a key role in the country’s infrastructural development, building roads, connecting communities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses in doing, Rafael Regis member of executive board of directors DROMINC said.
He added: “We will contribute to Guyana’s desire of becoming a regional hub for investment and connectivity… we are celebrating more than just an opening. This substantial investment is a clear statement. We are not here for a one-time opportunity. Rather, it is a demonstration of our confidence in President Irfan Ali’s national vision.”
DROMINC first came to Guyana’s shores in November 2023 to explore business opportunities.
‘Young people are a part of the entire vision for Guyana’
– Dr. Jagdeo says; highlights how gov’t is focusing on empowering youths
THE future leaders of tomorrow are at the heart of Guyana’s national development and according to the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the government, recognising this, continues to push its youth policy that complements this vision.
While commenting on the opposition’s attempts to use window dressing to create a façade that they cared for the youths while in office from 20152020, the General Secretary during a press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown, expounded on how the government has integrated youths into its shared vision for a brighter Guyana.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali stands as a manifestation of how the administration prioritises youths, instead of creating a leadership of fossils, Dr. Jagdeo pointed out, emphasising that young people are genuinely integrated into the development of the PPP and government.
The General Secretary also highlighted how youth mobilisation efforts have catapulted the membership of
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo
the PPP’s youth arm- the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).
Now, the party boasts 15,000 youth members, representing every region and race in Guyana, he disclosed.
While the initial target was 5,000, this target has been tripled even as the governing PPP continues to encourage more youths to play an active role in Guyana’s development.
He stated that some political party’s notion of a youth policy is narrow and only focuses on culture and sports.
However, this is not the case for the PPP, as the General Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering young people.
Dr. Jagdeo said: “We believe young people are a part of the entire vision for the country, because they have interest in education, they have interest in health care. They want to own their own home, they want to get a good paying job, they want to have recreational time to travel. They want to live in secure homes.”
Understanding how important youths are for development, the General Secretary said that this is why the government does not “pigeonhole young people into the corner.”
“We don’t do it as window dressing like some political parties. Some don’t even do the window dressing like the last government was, as I said, before, a gerontocracy like only old people could have made it into the government.”
Dr. Jagdeo also commended the enthusiasm of youths from diverse backgrounds, who have rallied to support the party’s efforts.
With over 100 vendors now benefitting from the Uncapped initiative and even more poised to join via its online expansion, the platform is on track to become a powerful engine for growth and visibility for small businesses (DPI photos).
Uncapped Marketplace set for digital leap as GMSA launches new online platform
– Aims to boost visibility, access for local agro-processors and SMEs
THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is gearing up to take its beloved Uncapped Marketplace to the next level, with the launch of a new digital platform designed to better connect Guyanese agro-processors and entrepreneurs with both local consumers and international markets.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the Providence National Stadium, First Vice President and Chairman of the Agro-Processing Sub-sector of the GMSA, Ramsay Ali, shared that the project, which has been more than a year in the making, will soon be operational, opening up new opportunities for hundreds of vendors in just a few weeks.
He told the Guyana Chronicle that the project is currently in the last stages of testing, with the platform already up and running with 20 vendors. Highlighting the thought process and innovation behind the platform, Ali shared that it is in partnership with Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) to make the process more convenient for both vendors and consumers.
“It’s a portal, it has pricing, you can order it, and it goes to an email that goes to a vendor, and they will use MMG,
because we partnered with MMG, make a payment to MMG, and we deliver the goods to you guys. It’s actually working right now.”
He further added that, “We’re testing it with about 20 people. And it’s actually working. So we’re going to launch it live in about two weeks.”
Also speaking at the event, President of GMSA, Rafeek Khan, noted the growing success and reach of the Uncapped Marketplace and the impact it has had and will continue to have with further collaboration and investment.
“What you have here is over 100, 110, actually, entrepreneurs and SMEs benefitting from this platform. Imagine if just 10 per cent of these companies each year found new markets in the Caribbean or beyond. It’s already happening, our products are in the UK, the U.S., and even in some European stores.”
Khan challenged the audience to envision how this model could be extended into other sectors, highlighting the real, fast-paced, positive impact that ventures like Uncapped could have on small businesses.
“I’m from the forestry sector. Imagine if, one year from now, we had 110
furniture manufacturers using a similar model. Guyana’s wood products are loved, but many can’t access them. Platforms like this can change that.”
Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr., Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), praised the initiative as a vital tool in supporting Guyana’s small, medium, and micro enterprises.
“Uncapped has become a flagship event. Back in 2023, its relaunch helped revitalise the economy post-COVID and pushed our entrepreneurs onto the international stage,” he said.
Gouveia emphasised that Guyanese businesses are ready to innovate and grow when given the right tools and platforms. He also announced the launch of a new Business Support Desk, a PSC initiative done in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, that will provide SMEs with business development support, including networking opportunities, feasibility planning, risk assessment, and access to financing.
With over 100 vendors now benefitting from the Uncapped initiative and even more poised to join via its online expansion, the platform is on track to become a powerful engine for growth, visibility, and regional integration.
‘ORDINARY
GUYANESE WITH EXTRAORDINARY DREAMS RISE’
– President Ali says GOAL has made education a right, not a privilege
What if education could adapt to their lives? That one question, posed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, captured the benefits behind the Government of Guyana’s most ambitious higher learning initiative, the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
In June as hundreds of graduates walked proudly across the stage at GOAL third graduation ceremony, President Ali called the programme a “revolution in education”, one that has reached far beyond campuses to touch kitchens, farming communities and remote hinterland homes.
“This is more than a graduating ceremony…This is a revolution in education and every one of you is living proof,” the President told the packed auditorium.
According to him, the programme not just as an academic initiative, but a movement that has shifted the national mindset around who gets access to education and how.
“We were not just thinking about degrees… we were thinking about doors,” Ali said.
“About access. About the thousands of talented Guyanese who, for one reason or another, had never been able to walk through the doors of higher learning.”
Since its launch, GOAL has reached over 30,000 citizens, with more than 70 per cent being women, many of whom juggled fulltime jobs, parenting and caregiving while pursuing advanced degrees. The President asked the female graduates to stand, and the room rose nearly in full.
“This is what empowering women looks like,” Ali said, beaming. “It’s almost the entire room.”
“GOAL has brought the classroom into people’s homes, into their phones, into their routines… mothers and fathers, nurses and farmers, teachers, clerks, public servants, entrepreneurs, ordinary Guyanese with extraordinary dreams.” • Continues on Page 15A
President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed a graduation ceremony for the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown (Delano Williams photos).
Powering progress: What the ‘One Guyana’ FPSO means for all of us
The much-anticipated ONE GUYANA Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel arrived in Guyana’s waters in May. Slated for operations in the Yellowtail development, it joins the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and Prosperity FPSOs already producing oil in the prolific Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.
Constructed under SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward® programme, the ONE GUYANA FPSO brings a production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day and storage for two million barrels of oil—a critical addition to Guyana’s growing offshore operations. Once production begins later this year, national output is expected to reach nearly 900,000 barrels per day—a remarkable milestone for a country that began oil production just over five years ago.
In 2024 alone, Guyana earned US$2.57 billion (GY$536 billion) from its three operating FPSOs. With this fourth vessel, those earnings are set to rise. But beyond the numbers, the impact is deeply human.
Before arriving, the FPSO was already creating opportunities for Guyanese. Over 200 tonnes of steel fixtures were fabricated locally by InFab, GOGSSI, and ZECO Group of Services—a testament to local businesses becoming integral to the sector’s supply chain.
Now that the vessel is here, these benefits will multiply. Guyanese companies will support its maintenance, logistics, and operations, while workers deliver essential services like catering, cleaning, transport, and crew transfers. The oil industry is powering a diversified ecosystem across multiple sectors.
The FPSO’s arrival signals how far Guyana has come—not only in production, but in building local capacity and economic resilience. Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat called it “a powerful symbol of progress… in the continued empowerment of our people through job creation, business opportunities, and increased revenues.”
To support this, the Local Content Secretariat has rolled out a Local Content App, making opportunities more accessible to entrepreneurs and job seekers. Since the Local Content Act, over 1,200 Guyanese businesses have registered. In 2025, local content value is projected to surpass US$847 million, up nearly US$104 million from 2024.
The ONE GUYANA FPSO is more than a vessel—it represents national progress. Its revenues will fund roads, education, healthcare, and uplift lives across the country. As production scales up, so too will Guyana’s global influence in the energy sector.
Education as a right, not a privilege
• From Page 14A
President Ali explained the programme’s founding philosophy that education should not be a luxury for the few, but a right for all.
“GOAL has changed how we think about education… but more importantly, it has changed who gets access to education…We believe that talent exists in every village, every region, every home and all it needs is a chance to shine,” he said.
He spoke directly to the many graduates who had overcome self-doubt and social pressure to pursue their studies.
“This programme has broken down barriers… even barriers of self-doubt. It has opened doors for those who were told ‘you’re too old,’ or ‘you missed your chance,’ or ‘that’s not for people like you,” Ali said.
But even as he celebrated their achievements, Ali reminded graduates that the responsibility of nation-building now lies in their hands.
“You did not just give yourselves a certificate. You gave yourselves a head start. You positioned yourselves to lead,” he said.
“Guyana needs you… not just in the office or classroom, but in your churches, your villages, your families. In every space where good leadership is needed.”
He urged the graduates to use their education as a tool for positive change and better decision-making for themselves, their families, and the country.
“Education must empower you to make better decisions. Better financial decisions, better health decisions, better choices for your community and your country,” he said.
President Ali ended his address with a call for more Guyanese to seize the opportunity.
“To those still wondering if it’s too late, too hard, or not worth it. I say this, do not let
the opportunity pass you by! You’re never too old to learn, never too busy to grow, and never too far to reach GOAL,” the Head of State.
He also reminded the audience that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government’s push for free university education is not a campaign promise, but a delivered reality.
“When the noise settles on the outside, always remember we invested in you, because we believe in you,” he said. “You are the face of a new Guyana. You are the bridge between where we were and where we are going. You are the proof that when people are given a chance, they will rise. And boy, did you rise,” the Head of State said with pride.
GOAL is a government initiative aimed at providing online scholarships and educational opportunities to Guyanese across various academic levels. Since its launch in 2021, GOAL has awarded nearly 30,000 scholarships to date, exceeding its initial target of 20,000 scholarships for the 2021-2025 period.
The program offers a wide range of courses including vocational certificates, undergraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees, all free of cost.
GOAL partners with multiple accredited local and international institutions, such as the University of the West Indies, University of South California, Amity University (Dubai), Indira Gandhi National Open University, India; International University of Applied Sciences, Germany; JAIN “deemed to be” University, India; Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom; Structuralia, Universidad lsabel I, Spain; Texila American University, Guyana; Unicaf University, Malawi; Unicaf University, Zambia; University of East London, United Kingdom and others to deliver these programs.
Former Colombian President, Ivan Duque
Green Growth: Forests fuel Guyana’s future
MECHANISMS for financing conservation efforts will form key discussions as heads of state, scientists, Indigenous leaders and innovators gather in Guyana for the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit.
According to former Colombian President, Ivan Duque, debt-for-nature swaps, biodiversity bonds and credits will be discussed to mobilise resources for conservation.
“Guyana is a great showcase, and we expect to see guarantees, debt swaps, biodiversity credits, biodiversity bonds, mechanisms to provide guarantees to local interventions,” Duque said during the first broadcast of the “Alliance podcast,” earlier this month.
Duque further highlighted Guyana’s leadership in low-carbon development and its unique position as a carbon-sinking country with 85 per cent tropical forest cover.
Even with Guyana becoming a buzzing oil producer, Duque pointed out the emphasis being placed on balancing traditional energy with natural-assets protection.
He said: “Even if you were to put a weight of value to the carbon-sinking potential of Guyana, the tonnes of carbon that Guyana is able to sink, and will be able to sink in the next 20 to 30 years in monetary value, with the right pricing of a tonne of carbon… [it is] almost close to the value of all the oil reserves that potentially Guyana has.”
Even with $11 billion in annual output, Guyana’s carbon-sinking capacity could match the total value of its oil reserves if its carbon is priced right.
That makes the country’s forests as economically important as its petroleum.
Duque added that with the green capacity almost at the same level as oil and gas, this should not only be praised but should also be seen as an engine of social transformation for Guyana.
The former president said: “I think natural assets have to be perceived socially as something really valuable… even the fact that we might not be successful and put the right weight of pricing and maybe value, doesn’t mean that it is not valuable… it is the most important asset, and that’s why for a long time, I have been an advocate on trying to think of the idea of the gross biodiversity product.”
He stressed the urgency of action to protect biodiversity and the need for market-driven solutions to finance long-term conservation efforts, particularly at the upcoming summit in Guyana.
Duque expects the summit to discuss precise contributions to price conservation of biodiversity and support local communities.
The summit, which will be held in July, also aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which is a pioneering framework aimed at transforming the country’s economy, while addressing climate change, primarily by incentivising the preservation of its vast forest cover.
The strategy was first introduced in 2009 and has evolved into the LCDS 2030, which aligns with international climate goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Ali pledges development for all
– Notes development was happening before the discovery of oil
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has affirmed that his government’s focus is to bring development to every corner of Guyana — including the coastland, islands, and hinterland communities. He emphasised that true progress cannot be measured by what happens in Georgetown alone, but rather by what reaches the most remote and underserved communities.
He made these remarks while delivering an address at the commissioning of the Onderneeming Water Treatment Plant in Region Two. The President spent two days in the region back in May , engaging with and listening to residents. “We are focused on improving water systems, building better roads, expanding healthcare, and ensuring quality education. We are building a country where geography no longer determines opportunity,” President Ali said. Speaking to the audience, he reiterated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is committed to ensuring that no Guyanese is left behind and that the benefits of development are experienced by all.
“Let us be clear — this stage of development that Guyana is now experiencing did not begin with the discovery of oil. The truth, and it must be said, is that the road to this water treatment plant, and all the other infrastructure we are building, began long before oil started flowing from the seabed,” the President stated.
He reflected on the 1990s, when many families in rural and hinterland areas did not have access to clean, quality water. Back then, people
had to fetch water from trenches and creeks or purchase it at a high cost. It was during those challenging times that the vision was born — a vision to provide water to every home, not as a luxury, but as a basic human right.
President Ali thanked the leaders of the People’s Progressive Party, who worked tirelessly over the years to bring development to Region Two. He said that his government is building a modern Guyana, grounded in a foundation of improved social services, education, healthcare, housing, and water access.
“No nation can claim to be modern and prosperous if its people do not have access to basic necessities. That is why we are not just talking about access — we have dramatically expanded it across the country,” he noted.
President Ali also acknowledged the efforts of past leaders who toiled for a better Guyana and contributed to shaping the nation’s vision.
“This has always been the bedrock of the People’s Progressive Party — to deliver development. We will continue to develop Region Two. For the PPP/C, the development of this region has never been seasonal — it’s a lifelong commitment. Our love is not opportunistic, our efforts have never been opportunistic. We have never come to you only in times of distress; we have stood by you in good times and joyful moments. We are with you every single day and in every season. That is the mantra of the People’s Progressive Party,” President Ali concluded.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali engages residents of Region Two.
Guyana’s tourism industry continues to blossom with significant investments
– President Ali says, as Jewelz by King’s Hotel opens
GEORGETOWN’S skyline just got a whole lot brighter with the grand opening of Jewelz by King’s Hotel, a modern facility that promises to redefine the visitor experience in Guyana.
At the heart of Guyana’s transformation is President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who described Jewelz not merely as a hotel, but as a milestone in the country’s evolution into a global tourism hotspot.
Delivering an energetic feature address at the opening ceremony on Friday, President Ali declared, “It is not a hotel. It is a luxury home away from your home.”
His message was clear: Guyana is no longer creeping forward but surging onto the world stage with confidence and vigour.
Standing under the glow of the spectacular new development in the heart of Georgetown, the President affirmed:
“Progress in Guyana is not creeping forward, it is marching briskly, boldly and beautifully.”
He credited deliberate policy decisions and strategic investments for Guyana’s ongoing success story, adding,
“Guyana is building a complete ecosystem for the development of tourism.”
President Ali highlighted that tourism has become an important pillar of the national economy, with visitor arrivals soaring under his administration — from just over 86,000 in 2020 to more than 371,000 in 2023, with 420,000+ visitors expected this year.
This 329% increase supports the President’s assertion that Guyana has shifted from
a hidden gem to a global attraction. He continued:“Guyana is not just growing — we’re surging.”
Guyana’s international image is being reshaped into that of a must-visit destination.
The growth in new hotels and airline connections is proof that the tourism engine is in full blast.
Since 2020, nine international airlines have launched service to Guyana, including British Airways, JetBlue, Avianca, and United Airlines.
“Airlines don’t just come,” President
brighter with the grand opening of Jewelz by King’s Hotel, a modern facility that promises to redefine the visitor’s experience in Guyana.
Ali pointed out. “The economics must make sense, the feasibility must make sense. That is why they come. Guyana makes sense.”
Beyond infrastructure, the government has also prioritised human capital — over 8,000 Guyanese have been trained in the tourism and hospitality industry. President Ali noted that these skilled professionals are central to his vision, as they shape the visitor experience.
He also mentioned the launch of 65 new, uniquely Guyanese tour experiences, stating:
“We created authentic, uniquely Guyanese experiences. That’s what tourists remember and come back for — the experience.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Ali outlined transformative projects for Georgetown, with an emphasis on green spaces and cultural
preservation.
“We can’t build a tourism product only at the national level — we must think global. If we want to punch hard, we have to punch global.”
He also highlighted Guyana’s recent greenlight to host a Super League, calling it a major win in the country’s global tourism positioning.
With projects like Jewelz by King’s Hotel setting the tone, Guyana’s rise as a worldclass tourism destination is not just a vision — it’s already happening.
Renata Persaud, Director at Kings, called the project a reflection of hard work and dedication — not just from investors but from all the workers who contributed to the construction of the hotel.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
Georgetown’s skyline just got a whole lot
D’urban Park to be converted into ‘world-class’ museum
WITH Guyana embracing a bold new era of development, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that D’urban Park will be converted into a “world-class” museum.
During address at the official launch of the Jewelz by King’s Hotel on Friday, President Ali emphasised the importance of making Guyana’s tourism sector a global competitor. Guyana’s tourism sector is more than just hotels and other fanciful infrastructure, it is about incorporating culture, heritage and tourism into a single product, the President said.
The vision for this new museum to replace the previous coalition government’s failed and decrepit D’urban Park will contribute to the capital city’s evolving landscape.
“That is an area that we are going to put this magnificent new national museum to celebrate who we are,” President Ali said.
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary and Guyana’s Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo recently said his party would rehabilitate the facility once re-elected.
As Guyana’s urban centres continue to expand, the need for additional green spaces in major cities and communities is becoming increasingly critical.
Currently, Guyana has four main urban parks: the National Park, the Botanical Gardens, and the Zoological Park in Region Four, and the Joe Vieira Park in Region Three.
These spaces serve as vital recreational sites for a wide cross-section of Guyanese, but there is a growing demand for more parks to meet the needs of the expanding population.
Highlighting efforts to create more green spaces, Dr. Jagdeo had previously underscored the importance of these areas in enhancing the overall aesthetics of Georgetown and the country as a whole.
First Lady Arya Ali’s Urban Development Programme for spearheading initiatives to establish new play parks and green spaces across Guyana has been lauded by the public.
One of the standout projects under the First Lady’s National Beautification Project is the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, which has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.
The importance of community involvement, encouraging citizens to take responsibility for maintaining these green spaces was emphasised.
