Pres Ali urges UG graduates to stay & help develop Guyana

– says Guyana growing rapidly, more opportunities in pipeline

In his address to the University of Guyana’s 56th convocation, President Dr Irfaan Ali appealed to the patriotism of the graduates as he urged them to join in helping to develop Guyana, even as the country’s economy continues to grow.
During his feature address, President Ali assured the 3000 graduates that opportunities for personal advancement will come. At the same time, however, he reminded them that they have a moral duty to contribute to the land of their birth, lamenting that for too long Guyana has been subject to a “brain drain”.
“You have a duty to make your country a better place. Guyana summons you to its service. It is your generation to which the nation looks to drive economic transformation and propel prosperity,” President Ali said.
“Your knowledge and skills are needed more than ever. You also have a special responsibility to history and to the future. You are the inheritors (of) monumental struggles and sacrifices of generations of Guyanese, who sought a better future for themselves and their progeny. It is your duty to assume the same mantle for future generations.

President Ali also assured the graduates that while more and more opportunities will become available as the economy grows, these opportunities are not just going to fall into their laps. He urged them to make the most use of their talents in seeking these opportunities.
“Great opportunities are in the pipeline. Our country is expanding and diversifying. A booming economy generates wealth, and jobs. And brings with it tremendous opportunities. But these opportunities will not appear on a platter. They have to be earned.”
“The world has limited use for slackers. Your future will be what you make of it. Education will improve your chances of success and make you more marketable. Once you prepare to work conscientiously, your future will be secure.”
Meanwhile, in his address, Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, expressed hope that the graduates would make a positive impact on Guyana’s development. He pointed out that Guyana’s future is a bright one.
“Most importantly, I look forward to the impact you will make in Guyana’s development. Our country’s future is as bright as each of your own because together, you will continue to contribute to Guyana’s success, through your ideas and hard work. And for that, the Government is thankful,” the Prime Minister said.
Three years after oil production began, Guyana is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world, with the growth of over 50 per cent now forecasted for 2022 and medium-term average annual growth projected at 25 per cent.
It was revealed in September by the mid-year report that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 36.4 per cent for the first half of 2022, on the back of growth in a number of economic sectors such as the agricultural and mining sectors.
According to the report, in addition to Guyana’s GDP growth, non-oil economic growth was 8.3 per cent. This, according to the Finance Ministry, reflects the Government’s supportive policy. In addition, the outlook for the rest of the year will continue to be favourable.
“For the full year, real GDP growth in 2022 is now projected at 56 per cent overall, and non-oil GDP growth at 9.6 per cent, maintaining Guyana’s position of global leader in economic growth,” the Ministry of Finance said.
The report noted that the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have expanded by 10.9 per cent in the first six months of 2022. These figures were driven by higher production from the other crops, forestry and livestock, in spite of weaker performances in the sugar, rice and fishing industries. The sector is now expected to grow by 11.9 per cent.
With respect to the mining and quarrying sectors, these are estimated to have grown by 64.6 per cent in the first half of the year, with a revised 2022 forecast of 99.9 per cent driven by growth in the petroleum and other mining industries.