Economy showing signs of strength
-says PPP
Stabroek News
December 25, 2002
The ruling PPP says even though 2002 was complicated and eventful, the credible performance of the economy augurs well for the New Year.
Briefing the media at the governing party’s end-of-year press conference on Monday General Secretary, Donald Ramotar expressed optimism that the coming year would be one where the country would witness further economic momentum as was evident in some sectors this year.
But he conceded that the economy was stymied by several factors including criminal activities, political instability and unfavourable external economic circumstances.
On the political scene Ramotar said dialogue which had promised much in terms of stability and creating the environment to take Guyana forward economically, was put on “pause” by the opposition PNCR.
“At the same time the PNCR began absenting themselves from the National Assembly. Together those acts created a political atmosphere that was difficult and an environment enabling anti-social activities,” Ramotar said.
This, he suggested, was manifested in the rise of crime in the society beginning with the escape of five criminals on February 23 from the Georgetown prison, and accelerating in April with the killing of Superintendent Leon Fraser. The Guyana Police Force, Ramotar said, has been singled out as a target of the well-armed bandits. He made mention of Monday morning’s shooting of another policeman in Sophia. Twelve policemen have been killed for the year so far by gunmen.
But despite unfavourable international and national conditions, Ramotar saw the country’s economic performance based on the available statistics as credible.
“Even though the figures are not yet ready it seems that we will have positive growth...”
He noted that major economies of the world had experienced great difficulties and big falls in consumer demand, particularly those of Guyana’s main trading partners, the European Union and the US.
Highlighting some of the positives during the year, Ramotar noted the continued good performance of sugar and increased production of poultry leading to self-sufficiency in the industry.
He said rice, despite its problems, had shown a good performance with the possibility of the industry emerging from the slump of 2001.
Gold production was doing well helped by the higher price for gold and there was an increase in the declaration of diamonds.
The leading PPP functionary also saw the clinching of a strategic investment in Linmine as helping to invigorate the economic life of Region 10 communities.
In the coming year, he expressed hope that the livestock industry, particularly with its certification as free of foot and mouth disease will make a positive impact.
“Quite likely we can begin broadening the base of our foreign exchange earnings by exporting meat, poultry and also to increase the aquaculture production,” Ramotar added.
He also said better road links to the south of the country are likely to promote greater trade with neighbouring territories thus integrating the country further.
He expressed the hope that in the coming period government would further advance the social condition of the people. Emphasis, he said, would continue to be placed on education, health and housing. Ramotar also offered condolences at the press conference on the passing of PNCR leader Desmond Hoyte on Sunday. He described Hoyte as a courageous individual who was not afraid to take bold steps.
