“The future of Guyana is bright and promising” – Pres Ali

…says 2024 will see Guyana on rapid path of sustained growth, prosperity

With its unprecedented growth trajectory, the future of Guyana is bright and promising, and 2024 will see the country advancing more rapidly along this path, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali in his 2024 New Year message.
“The future of Guyana is bright and promising. We have set Guyana on a course of sustained growth and prosperity. The New Year – 2024, will see us advance more rapidly along this path as we shape the destiny of present and future generations.”
President Ali noted that stepping into the New Year promises a fresh start. The past year, he said, tested our collective determination as a nation through trials, threats and triumphs, development, and instances of despair.

“We mourned the loss of our precious angels at Mahdia and the tragic deaths of our heroic servicemen in a helicopter crash. In these moments of anguish, our people united, sharing grief and providing moral and material support to those who have lost loved ones. These tragedies were indeed jolting, but they did not floor us. We did not wilt or waver. We proved that we are a resilient nation. We rose to the challenge, surmounting our difficulties and collectively shouldered our burdens. Every time misfortune hit us, we stood tall and unified.”
The Head of State also outlined that the past year witnessed a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which saw a united front by the Guyanese.
“I am heartened by the unity displayed by our people in defending our motherland and unequivocally rejecting any unfounded claims to our territory. Our commitment to peace and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means, and in accordance with international law, remains unwavering. I extend my thanks to the Opposition for standing in solidarity with the Government on this crucial and critical issue. I thank all Guyanese for the massive outpouring of patriotic fervour in response to the threats we faced.”
On the economic side, Guyana’s economy remains on a rock-solid footing, registering in 2023, phenomenal economic growth that is estimated at almost 40 per cent.
He said not only did the economy shine in 2023 but the country’s social services – housing, water, sanitation, education and health – continued to improve, bringing greater benefits to people while active steps were taken to improve security and boost the quality of other public services offered to the public.
“We basked in our moments of glory and triumph. Who will ever forget how our spirits soared in 2023 when the Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched victory in the coveted Caribbean Premier League final, right here at home? Who will forget how this team brought our people together and how much its success lifted our nation? Our sportsmen and sportswomen continue to excel, bringing immense joy and glory to our nation. Their achievements not only showcase the talent and dedication of our athletes but also serve as a source of inspiration for the entire nation.”

Promise of a brighter future
Heading into the New Year, President Ali said his Government had pledged to improve the lives of citizens, and will be honouring that promise.
With the 2024 Budget slated to be unveiled in the coming weeks, the Head of State revealed that it will detail expenditure and revenue plans for the coming year while also delivering on the promise to continuously improve the lives of Guyanese.
“Guyanese are going to benefit from improved infrastructural and public services, including water, housing and education. Several major road projects are slated for completion and will make commuting easier… This New Year will also see significant investment in education, including preparations for the roll-out of free university education in 2025… Cost-of-living interventions will be made to cushion any spikes in prices in our economy. We want to put more money into the pockets of people. Our policy-making matrix will address this ideal and the idea of putting more money in the pockets of our people.”
Additionally, the Government will be frontally addressing issues of mental health, and suicide; advancing measures to increase disposable income; supporting the building of consortiums to further enable people to benefit from the opportunities here; manufacturing and industrial development expansion, supporting through incentivising investment in manufacturing and industrial development; more community investment aimed at creating community safe spaces, community security, community livelihood, community empowerment.
“I assure all Guyanese that the Government will continue to work tirelessly for your upliftment in the coming year… Together, let us face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, confident in the strength of our unity and the promise of a brighter future. May the New Year bring prosperity, peace, and progress to every one of you! Happy New Year and God Bless You All!”

Continuing the momentum
Meanwhile, on the threshold of the new year, Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips said this offers a valuable opportunity to collectively reflect on the past journey, embrace rejuvenation, and look towards the future with renewed vigour.
“The concept of New Year’s Resolutions may not be a universal tradition, but the spirit of reflection and fresh beginnings is something we all share. It is a time to take stock of our achievements, learn from our experiences, and set our sights on new horizons. In this spirit, I encourage you to seize the opportunity to refresh your energy and renew your commitment to personal and collective goals.”
PM Phillips noted that over the past three years, Guyana has made significant strides along a positive trajectory, and it is the shared responsibility of all citizens to ensure this momentum continues. To this end, he said the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering development across all sectors, creating opportunities for success, and ensuring prosperity for every Guyanese citizen.
“This year, in the face of challenges, the resilience of our people has been truly remarkable. We have experienced losses and faced major hurdles, but it is through unity that we find strength. As we embark upon the new year, let us collectively renew our dedication to the timeless principles of unity and solidarity that have the power to uplift and inspire us all. As one Guyanese family, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. May 2024, bring you joy, fulfilment, and success in all your endeavours. I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we will continue to build a Guyana that thrives in unity and prosperity. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year!”

Transforming Guyana together
In his New Year Message, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton posited that at the dawn of a new year, the occasion presents itself for everyone to dwell on the past year.
He said during 2023, the Opposition visited and listened to citizens in several communities across the country; worked to keep the citizens informed; fought in the courts to defend the Constitution and the rights and freedoms of citizens; campaigned in the Parliament to shape the national agenda and to keep the Government in check, and presented their ideas for a better Guyana.
According to Norton, the Opposition believes that Guyana can have one of the world’s highest standards of living, happiest societies, and achieve the goal of zero poverty and zero misery. Attaining this, he added, will be on the Opposition’s agenda for 2024.
“We in the Opposition will not relent on these and other fronts. Our people’s livelihood is at stake. The destiny of our country is at stake. We call on all fair-minded Guyanese to join us in our campaign to rescue our dear country… Together, we can transform Guyana into a world-class and prosperous society. We believe that Guyana can become the envy of the world as the country where citizens have opportunities to realise their aspirations and full potential. That is our vision in the coalition. That is our pledge. That is in our CONTRACT WITH GUYANA – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU, THE PEOPLE… Let us continue to pray for our nation… Better times are ahead. All the best for 2024! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” (G-8)