Former US President Bill Clinton lauds Guyana’s sustainable development priorities

…says Guyana also on right track in climate change

Former United States (US) President Bill Clinton lauded Guyana’s sustainable development priorities, while at the same time throwing his support behind the growing partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) and even offering to help wherever possible.
In one of Guyana’s most high-profile visits in recent times, Clinton arrived in Guyana on Sunday to speak at the United Caribbean Forum panel discussion being hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC).

Clinton, who served two terms as President from 1993 to 2001 before setting up his Clinton Foundation, on Tuesday referenced Guyana’s sustainable development efforts. In particular, Clinton lauded the development priorities being pursued.
“A commitment to democracy and the rule of law is not only an honourable thing, but it is also in the long run, the economically smart thing to do. So, I would like to say I think you’ve got a leg up, because of the commitments you’ve made to democracy and the rule of law,” Clinton said.
“I think your priorities in terms of developing a more sustainable agriculture, that will both generate more income and better nutrition and better health, dealing with the challenges of climate change and having a sustainable energy future, these things if you achieve them in the right way, will cause other people to follow you.”
He was also full of praise for the partnership between the Dominican Republic and Guyana, which has seen several cooperation agreements being signed over the past year. In fact, he noted that both countries are ideally placed to contribute to the partnership and committed to help facilitate its continuation.
“I will say I think you picked an ideal place to have a partnership between the Dominican Republic and Guyana. For most of the last few years the Dominican Republic and Panama have been the two fastest growing economies in the Caribbean.”
“And also, on the fore front of clean energy. Booming tourism. And thinking about how to build a modern economy that is truly inclusive. So that everyone can be a part,” the former President also said.
Partnership
Meanwhile, President Dr. Irfaan Ali who was present, praised the example set by former President Clinton during his time in office. Additionally, President Ali assured that indeed, Guyana has every intention of furthering its partnership with the Dominican Republic.
“President Abinader and myself are working on creating that supporting infrastructure. And we’re already seeing success. We have DR companies partnering with Guyanese companies, building out hotels, stadiums. We have collaboration in healthcare, tourism, training. We’re already, in a relatively short period, one year, seeing the fruits of labour,” President Ali said.
President Ali also said that Guyana is the foremost country in the world when it comes to advocacy for climate change and forest services. In fact, the President pointed out that the Clinton Foundation played a key role in Guyana’s development as an advocate for forest services.
“In the last 50 years the world has lost 65 per cent of its biodiversity. We have kept our bio diversity intact. Very soon one must come to the understanding and we have to ensure that when the valuation is done, our product is positioned in a way to create new areas of (opportunity). It is not just about lofty speeches. It’s about real work and positioning our country as a leader in the climate agenda,” the President also said.
Meanwhile, President Ali assured during the discussion that energy remains a major issue for Guyana, as well as how to leverage the growing energy alliance in the region to further regional integration.
“Energy for us is also a major issue. For us it’s not only about petroleum. It is how we build out the transport and logistics sector. How we integrate our energy infrastructure. And how do we use our energy assets to push regional expansion and regional growth,” he said.
“But more importantly, how do we connect the region. So, we want Guyana to be that corridor of energy that connects and brings the region here. We have that potential. It’s natural gas, its wind, it’s solar, it’s hydro. And that’s why we have such a huge alliance on the energy agenda.”
The United Caribbean Forum was organized by the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce in Guyana and is intended to facilitate talks on investment opportunities, particularly among the private sectors of the two countries. (G3)