GINA -- THE standard of living of residents along the Lethem/Georgetown road is poised to improve tremendously through increased economic activities and tourism, especially in the hinterland areas.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who travelled the road to Lethem over the weekend, witnessed at firsthand, the promise of economic and social development of the road project.
The Prime Minister and a team from his office made several stops, at villages along the way to Lethem and interacted with residents.
Mr. Hinds informed residents of the potential for small business development along the roadway through improved access to and an increase in market size.
Before the construction of the road, transport of goods was done by air or through a rough pathway.
Most of the villages are cash-crop farming communities, poultry rearing, rice production, peanut production, mining and logging.
From Linden to Lethem is approximately a 10-hour drive. Lethem is located in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
Construction of the road began about three years ago and the last section was completed in 2002 in Region Nine.
Mr. Hinds was informed by technical personnel responsible for the construction of the road that recapping was necessary in certain sections.
He noted that the road places Rupununi and Lethem in particular on the brink of economic growth and prosperity. Further, he noted that already new buildings and businesses have started to materialise along the way.
Guyana and Brazil signed a Partial Scope Agreement which will see the development of greater trade links between the two countries.
The exchange of tariff preferences between Guyana and Brazil, increased cooperation on trade matters and participation between the private sectors of both countries are some of the issues outlined in the agreement.
The Agreement was signed in June 2001. However, Guyana's link with CARICOM has noted that 63 products for trade put forward by the Brazilians, were identified as 'sensitive products'. As such, Guyana is still working out the details of the Agreement.
Earlier this year it was agreed that of the 63 products, 39 will attract Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rate of duty, 2 will attract a 100 per cent preference level, and for the remaining 22, a preference rate of 15 per cent will apply.
President Bharrat Jagdeo recently visited Brazil and held discussions with his counterpart President Lula.
Mr. Hinds noted that the Government is hoping that some collaborative programmes will bear fruit and small-scale businesses will become more productive.
It is also anticipated that the Land Cargo Transport Agreement will be completed so that Bon Fin can be a port of entry for trade.
Residents were hopeful and expressed their enthusiasm about the potential of development of their communities.
Cattle ranchers in the Rupununi have also indicated their willingness to resume business on a larger scale, but indicated that the problem of cattle rustling needed to be addressed. One rancher noted that he lost 100 head of cattle for this year alone.
Mr. Hinds noted that with the advent of increased trade other difficulties may arise and the Government would explore every possible opportunity to address the problems.
During the three-day visit, the team overnighted at Iwokrama and was at the official launching of the Canopy walkway. Mrs. Yvonne Hinds, who accompanied the Prime Minister, cut the ribbon for the official opening.
The aluminium walkway, funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) at a cost of Can $200,000, is the first of its kind in South America and the Caribbean.
The walkway, 153 meters long, was built by a Canadian company and consists of five suspension bridges. On the highest point of the walkway (30 meters above ground), distant mountain ranges can be seen.
The walkway, a suspended facility, is seen as a tourism attraction for nature tours, since it allows for least movement and changes in the natural environment.
In his address, Mr. Hinds noted that the walkway should be seen as a significant step in the improvement of the living standards of, firstly people in the area and secondly, the country as a whole.
Iwokrama, 371,000 hectares of lush vegetated land, is seen as Guyana's gift to the world. The forest is preserved in its natural state, allowing for growth and development of its 500 species of birds, 200 mammals, 150 reptiles and other fauna.
Mr. Hinds noted that the walkway provides an opportunity for Guyana to combine conservation and economic activities, through eco-tourism.
Further, he said that Government remains committed to the development of protected areas.
Along with the Prime Minister and his team, Director General (Ag) Iwokrama Dr. Graham Watkins, Field Station Manager - Iwokrama Vibert Welch and residents from neighbouring communities, were present at the launching ceremony.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir attended the Rupununi Day 2003 celebration, officially opened on Saturday, November 22.
The celebration, an annual event, was observed on Saturday and Sunday and visitors came mostly from Brazil and Guyana.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority facilitated the transport of persons from the coastland.
Rupununi celebrations are part of the activities to mark Tourism Awareness Month, which is being celebrated in November.