Georgetown : President Donald Ramotar in his Independence speech last night at the 46th Independence Anniversary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana flag raising ceremony said, the years since Independence have instructed us on the vital link between economic development, political democracy and social freedoms. The right of the people to elect a government of their choice, the enactment of an inclusive constitution and respect for civil liberties have all brought about improved national cohesion and created the conditions for increased economic growth.
The President pointed to Guyana’s unprecedented economic growth “ We have become the object of attention within the region. Our policies are being analyzed for the lessons they can hold for other countries. Foremost amongst those lessons has been the importance of macro-economic stability. Holding inflation in check amidst turbulence in commodity markets, stabilizing foreign exchange markets in a period of international financial volatility and reduced interest rates for lending have boosted investments and economic activities.
Our traditional sectors have also served us well in the face of daunting exogenous shocks. Despite the challenges since independence, our traditional sectors have continued to bring benefits to our people: creating and sustaining employment, earning valuable foreign exchange and boosting output. These sectors remain pivotal to economic growth but it is now necessary for them to become modernized and for the emergence of new sectors to lead economic diversification and growth.
Our educational system has also been a tremendous asset to us since independence allowing us to produce graduates that have distinguished themselves both at home and abroad. It is apposite to point out that our economic growth has coincided with a rise in the quality and quality of education that we have provided. We have to continue to improve the delivery of education and configure it to meet the growing demands of the new economy that we are building in an ever growing and competitive world.
Nurturing an open economy safeguarding political freedoms and civil liberties, retooling our traditional sectors and improving our educational system remain important to our future progress.”
The President saluted the people of Guyana, especially working people through whose toil and sacrifice this country was built. “As we enter a new exciting phase of our development, I want to assure all of you, workers, entrepreneurs, farmers etc. that you will be in an integral part of national development.”
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