His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali announced a slew of transformational programmes for Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam) over the next five years.
High on the agenda is the construction of a medical school and an engineering faculty. During his address to thousands of residents from across the region in Anna Regina on Saturday night, the President spoke of bringing educational opportunities to young people in the region.
“Your Government will invest in the labs and having a medical school right here in Essequibo, so your children can be doctors right here in Essequibo. We will be investing in all the facilities so you can have a faculty of engineering right here.”
The President reminded that through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, over 4,000 students from the region have been awarded scholarships during his tenure.
“Development is not about now alone, it is about tomorrow, next year, five years from now. Development is not a spur of the moment thing; development calls for ideas and policies and programmes that will ensure success not for one day or one season or one year but for a lifetime and that is the development we are pursuing.”
He added that his Government is going to ensure that rice becomes more successful and profitable. In addition to the recently announced crop insurance, the Government will institute a comprehensive plan for the industry that includes investing in expansive drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market access roads, reducing input costs, constructing a fertiliser plant, and developing a price stabilisation fund that ensures farmers are paid at the end of every crop.
Young people will also benefit from greater incentives, including tax deductions, support and subsidies to help them build their own homes and support their families within the region.
The Government will remove taxes on ATVs and outboard engines up to 150HP for hinterland and riverine communities.
“This is how we empower people. By making assets more available. By giving them the tools to be productive.”
Region Two will also benefit from a modern dialysis facility. The Government will prioritise support for small businesses and community forest organisations.
Residents will soon see another boat plying the Parika to Essequibo route, as a contract has already been signed for its procurement. A four-lane road with concrete drains and a modern port facility at Charity are also on the cards.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips; Vice President, the Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; and other Cabinet ministers and government officials were also at the meeting.