Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, says despite global challenges Guyana will continue to rise and it is the combination of faith, trust and hope that will propel the South American country towards prosperity in the coming years.
“Each of us must resolve to be stronger, better, and more committed to individual, family, community, and country development,” Mr. Ali said in a Christmas message.
As the world enters another year still in the grip of COVID-19, the Guyanese head of state said the pandemic has served to bring out a sense of community and strength among people. He thanked Guyana’s bilateral and international partners, frontline workers and members of the government, the National Covid-19 task force and the joint services, for their selfless work in keeping the country safe.
“As your President, I will endeavour to do everything I can in supporting and implementing a balanced and strategic approach in the continued fight against this pandemic,” he said, while urging all Guyanese to get vaccinated, take the widely available booster shot and adhere to all COVID-19 protocols.
“As we celebrate these holidays, we must be aware of the countless initiatives that have contributed to a positive outlook for our country,” Mr. Ali said. “Despite the ravages of the pandemic and its consequences on the global economy, we in Guyana can still be proud of a robust economy, positive growth, enhanced social services and greater benefits, in cash and kind, being passed down to the population.”
The main driver of Guyana’s GDP in the medium term continues to be oil exports, which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates will represent 38.2 percent of GDP in the 2020 –2021 period. Data also show that the emerging oil sector has brought in over GY$440 billion; or GY$57 billion more than the 2021 budget.
Mr. Ali said the country must also be thankful for the major foreign and local investment it has been able to attract which would lead to the creation of sustainable jobs and the further expansion of the economy.
“The outlook for 2022 is exciting but will not be without challenges as we continue to face a worsening global supply chain. The consequences of which will be continued rising prices for imported goods, supplies and transportation services,” he pointed out.
He said this, coupled with climate change and the pandemic, would require robust and strategic policymaking to mitigate against the full consequences of the social and economic challenges.
“Notwithstanding our challenges, this season and Christmas itself teaches us the lessons of hope over despair, sacrifices in overcoming challenges, faith in overcoming obstacles and trust in God as a means and source to achieving all things,” Mr. Ali said. “It is the combination of faith, trust and hope that must ignite us into the future.”
