Dear Editor,
The focus of the current administration, to utilise the profits from the oil sector to strengthen other productive sectors, is a very good idea that will increase employment and add new, profitable businesses to the economy.
It must also be noted that the recent flooding that has occurred due to the lack of well prioritised infrastructural investment is a great wakeup call to the Government: to ensure investments in the future are deliberate and have long-term benefits that are sustainable.
The current climate change dynamics continue to give us reasons to look beyond Georgetown. A clear strategy to invest in a new capital city must not be neglected or overlooked. Maintenance of Georgetown will pull significantly on available resources, and there will be a limit to the funds available for expansion projects. Therefore, it is essential that a clear plan is in place to utilise the remaining forecasted resources to establish a capital city in a location that allows for more environmental security and the development of a city of the future. This should encompass a sustainable energy grid and infrastructure that takes us into the century at a level comparable to the most efficient and beautiful cities of the world.
The economic boost from such a strategy would be significant, and would provide a level of employment that may require additional human resources beyond what is available locally. The economic multiplier is also very favourable.
Best regards,
Jamil Changlee
