Guyana President, Dr. Irfaan Ali led his government in hosting the inaugural virtual diaspora conference on Saturday, during which he called on diaspora communities to assist the government in the crafting of its multi-sectoral development plan.
Engagement with Guyanese communities abroad is a major strategy of the Ali administration, as the country has long battled brain drain. As the country capitalises on its behemoth oil reserves and rapid waves of investment, the government seeks to turn the tide of movement of skills and knowledge toward Guyana, instead of away.
“The excitement is not only about oil and gas. Yes, oil and gas will give us a massive push.” Ali told the more than 800 participants of the conference who tuned in from across the globe. “But we’re planning much, much bigger than oil and gas.”
He said that people participating not just to listen to the government’s plans and opportunities, but to give feedback on how the government can make its strategies sustainable and enhance the diaspora unit which falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The President outlined the Government’s entire development strategy, which include the facilitation of oil and gas support infrastructure, the upcoming Arco Norte energy corridor, and the gas-to-energy project which is being marketed as a revolutionary initiative for the country’s business environment and the cost of living.
Foreign Minister, Hugh Todd, told participants that the diaspora has played a critical role shoring up the Guyanese economy and supporting its vulnerable communities in times of disaster and downturn, but that it can contribute in other ways, like philanthropy, investments, and skills transfers.
In this regard, the conference served to inform persons on matters such as remigration, tourism, trade, investment prospects, youth engagement opportunities and philanthropy.
Todd said that the conference is just part of the government’s extensive agenda to maintain sustained engagements with the diaspora.
“Our mission is to ensure that we are transparent and open with the diaspora, and that your inputs are considered in whatever actions we take going forward. National development is an all-hands-on deck endeavour.” Todd said.
Since ExxonMobil made its first discovery in 2015, Guyana has been a hotbed of economic excitement, with investors pouring in from regions across the globe. The company has so far made 19 discoveries, amounting to about nine billion oil-equivalent barrels. It started producing oil at the Liza Phase 1 project late in 2019 and is scheduled for first oil at Liza Phase Two and Payara in 2022 and 2024 respectively, with a fourth development at Yellowtail set to come on stream in 2025.
