We cannot continue with ad hoc approach where activities “spring up indiscriminately” – Pres. Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has emphasised the need for the private sector and the government to work together to clamp down on the disorganised manner in which economic activities start without any clear structure, control, or planning.

He made the call while addressing the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (R3CCI) Business Networking Event on Monday evening.

“We cannot continue with current ad hoc approach where activities spring up indiscriminately, leading to congestion, inefficiencies and disruption. We must work together to designate specific areas for recreation and entertainment, commercial activity and industrial development, ensuring these do not encroach on or disrupt residential communities,” President Ali said.

“A structured and collaborative approach will unlock the region’s full potential and ensure that progress is orderly sustainable and beneficial to all,” he added.

The President, who hails from the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region, noted that Region Three is no longer a ‘quiet backwater area’ but it is emerging as one of the most dynamic and promising regions in the country, with expanding infrastructure, flourishing commercial services and top-tier entertainment venues.

This, he asserted, is not by chance but because of the vision of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) administration and the ability of its leaders to execute the required strategies and policies to achieve the carefully set-out goals for development.

Reflecting on the dismal state of the region and its people during the years 2015-2020, President Ali noted that under his administration, Region Three has seen significant investments in all areas to ensure its true potential is unlocked.

Excluding the investments in the Demerara River Bridge and the Gas to Energy project, he noted that since 2020, the PPP administration has pumped tens of billions of dollars in the region, especially in infrastructure development, which has opened up countless opportunities for citizens.

Region Three has traditionally been an agriculture-based region, but President Ali boasted that the region’s economy is rapidly diversifying as investors’ confidence grow.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that agriculture will remain a major focus for the region and the industry must be furthered strengthened. According to President Ali, development does not mean traditions must be forgotten- and this is why his government will continue to invest in sectors like sugar, which was traditionally supported families over the years.

The solution, he indicated, is in modernising and diversifying traditional industries.

“With so much produce being transported out of the region daily, there is a pressing need to improve logistics and management, to minimise post-harvest losses and ensure timely deliveries. Upgraded farm to market roads, agro-processing facilities and market linkages are helping to reduce losses. My government will continue to support this region’s agriculture through modern technology, extension services and better infrastructure to ensure the region retains its role as a national breadbasket while adapting to a challenging and new economic landscape,” he emphasised.

He noted too that, “Region Three is strategically positioned with access to natural resources, agricultural strength and proximity to major markets including the Essequibo Coast, Bartica and the populous Region Four, giving Region Three advantages which must be harnessed.”

In fact, President Ali said the region has a large and growing population with more disposable income, which demands increases in goods and services – opportunities that can be seized by investors.

“I’m confident that when the data from the national census is released, it will confirm that Region Three has eclipsed Region Six, maybe, in population. It is not only having greater level of population but also greater level of economic progress and development,” he noted.