Govt policies will bring about ‘better life’ by 2020 – President Granger

… says Guyana on the brink of a micro-enterprise revolution

President David Granger is confident that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition is going to be re-elected for a second term in office come 2020, saying that the Guyanese people have a deep appreciation of what his Administration has been doing over the past two years.

“There are lots of changes which have taken place… and I think by 2020 people

will see these changes have brought about by a better life,” he told reporters on the latest edition of ‘The Public Interest’ which was aired Friday in the National Communications Network (NCN).

Speaking about the various policies his Government has implemented, the Head of State noted that initiatives such as ‘Green State’ have been well received with more Guyanese consciously taking steps towards sustainable development of their communities and by extension the country.

Moreover, the President outlined that while persons have recognised that the country is experiencing economic difficulties, there are some who have used the opportunity to push start a new economic revolution. He pointed out that people across the country are increasingly producing quality commodities from their homes and in small factories.

“There is an upwelling of micro-enterprises and I think once people go around the country they’re going to see that some of the changes that were introduced over the past two years are taking root,” the President said.

The Government through several programmes is creating an enabling environment for the development of micro enterprises and as such, the Administration is working to facilitate the growth of such small businesses that will peddle the micro-economy.

“I think we are on the brink of a micro-enterprise revolution… The country is not bankrupt, it is not on a point of economic collapse (in fact) there is great vitality,” he stated.

The President went on to talk about the impact the creation of the new three capital towns at Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma, along with the pre-existing towns, are having on the economy. These towns, he noted, are intended to be central business hubs and a key part of the development of this productive business environment for entrepreneurs.

“Part of the reason why we campaigned so long and hard for Local Government Elections is because it would revitalise the neighbourhoods by establishing capital towns in those three areas,” he said.

Even as Government works to increase foreign direct investment, the Guyanese Leader said efforts are being made to promote value added goods and services produced at the micro level for exportation.

“We are working on building the micro and improve the macro investments,” the Head of State noted.

Capacity building is a critical component of this and the Business Ministry through the Small Business Bureau (SBB) and the “New Guyana Marketing Corporation (NEWGMC) is facilitating workshops for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, which provide information on improved agro-processing methods. Entrepreneurs can benefit, also, from the Small Business Initiative Fund.

To continue to foster the growth of micro enterprises, there are mechanisms provided through various agencies and Ministries.

Government’s push towards entrepreneurship is also demonstrated in the establishment of initiatives such as the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Initiative; the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme; and the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). These programmes, since their establishment, have sought to equip young people with the requisite skills, knowledge and finances needed to become thriving entrepreneurs.

Added to these, the Education Ministry in recognition of the high level of unemployment among Guyana’s youth, and the need to promote youth development, has embarked on a youth innovation project; the YIPoG.

The project will address in and out-of-school youth, and is intended to “harness the hidden innovative spirit among young people, by providing timely and affordable interventions and funding to implement their pioneering ideas.” Some $50 million has been earmarked for the funding aspect of this initiative.