“Guyana now a land people run toward” – Pres Ali invites Diaspora to return, invest

As Guyana continues to undergo unprecedented development, President Dr Irfaan Ali has renewed calls for citizens living abroad to return and invest in the many opportunities that are becoming available in the country, telling members of the Guyanese Diaspora that they need to witness the rapid transformation that is unfolding back home.
The Head of State was at the time addressing a reception on Tuesday evening hosted by the Guyanese Diaspora in New York, where he led a delegation to attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
President Ali told members of the Guyanese Diaspora that persons are no longer fleeing the country but returning as a result of the development currently unfolding at a rapid pace.
“For those who left a long time ago, the Guyana of today is not the Guyana of yesterday. We are no longer the land that people run from. We are now the land that people are running toward… Every single person in the room knows who we are. We are the fastest-growing economy in the world. We are a land of opportunities,” President Ali declared.
To this end, he outlined his Government’s plans for Guyana’s continued development and assured Guyanese living abroad that they too are welcome to participate in the country’s transformation.

“Let me assure you that the Guyana we are building is one that is ready and willing to welcome you with open arms. Whether you decide to return permanently or whether you simply want to invest, mentor, share expertise or visit for a few months each year, we are ready for you,” he stressed.
Investment opportunities
According to the Guyanese leader, there will be investment opportunities that are tailored specifically for the Guyanese citizens, including members of the diaspora, which he implored them to take advantage of.
“Very soon, we’ll be putting together some investment opportunities for you here in the diaspora and our private sector and citizens at home. I ask you to examine those opportunities and make full use of them when they come your way,” the Head of State posited.
To encourage this, the Guyana Government will be taking concrete steps to strengthen the way it engages with citizens abroad, including fully revamping the Diaspora Unit at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.
During his inauguration speech earlier this month after being sworn in to serve a second term in office, President Ali had promised to ensure that the vast potential within the Guyanese diaspora was tapped into and became partners in the transformation of the country.
“We intend to keep that promise. How? By keeping you informed, by encouraging and supporting your investments, by creating avenues for you to participate in key sectors, by tapping into your expertise, your capital, your network, by ensuring regular outreach, and by modernising our diaspora unit so that it does exactly what it was intended to do – be the bridge, the vehicle that connects you directly to the transformation sweeping across Guyana… Every member of the diaspora is entitled to be part of our present and our future,” the Head of State noted.
“Come and see for yourself.”
Moreover, President Ali further urges Guyanese living abroad to return home and witness first-hand the transformation that is unfolding in Guyana.
“Come home! Come and see for yourself; witness the transformation. Ask yourself how you too can be a part of this process of remaking Guyana into a land of opportunities… When people return home, they’re awestruck by the rapid, visible, transformative development they see. Now, I will not stand here and tell you that everything is perfect. No. But I’ll tell you this. Things are on an upward trajectory. Life is getting better. And our plan is to make it better by creating more opportunities for our people,” the Guyanese leader stressed.
During his address at Tuesday’s reception, President Ali went on to talk about the Government’s plans to enhance key sectors like education and healthcare, welfare and public services, security, tourism and agriculture, among others.
“We are putting more money in the hands of people by removing taxes, by increasing the income tax threshold, by providing cash transfers to citizens, by doubling pensions and public assistance, by subsidising water, electricity and fuel, by increasing salaries… Fundamentally, our economic policies are geared towards increasing personal wealth, enhancing sources of income, and expanding opportunities for job creation. Our aim is simple; the net worth of every citizen must grow,” he stated.
Another key aspect of the Ali-led Administration is its massive infrastructure plan that will not only see roads and bridges built across the country to create critical connections and linkages but also bolster economic growth. The landmark Gas-to-Energy project is one such initiative that will bring some 300 megawatts of power onstream, not only making way for electricity prices to be slashed but also driving technological advancements in the country.