Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kenji Okamura has lauded the Guyanese government’s development efforts.
Okamura and a team from the IMF were in Guyana recently where they met with officials including President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Finance Minister Ashni Singh.
In a statement following the meeting, Okamura commented: “Guyana today is in the position to reap the benefits of rapidly increasing oil revenues due to the hard-won gains from implementing reforms and adjustment over the years. The plans put in place by the authorities and the strong progress are benefiting the entire population through better healthcare and educational programs, housing policies, energy, and transportation infrastructure.”
“I commended the authorities for the visionary Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. The sale of carbon credits and use of these funds supports the Amerindian population, finances climate adaptation needs, and fosters renewable and cleaner energy needed for development. The strategy, which includes marine conservancy and increased biodiversity goals, is ambitious.”
Okamura noted that despite the recent economic boom due to the country’s vast hydrocarbon reserves, Guyana “faces significant human and infrastructure development needs”.
Guyana can count on IMF’s support in its future development as Okamura said the international financial agency will support effort to increase the skilled labour workforce “to ensure a balanced growth path with low inflation and opportunities for well-paying jobs throughout the country.”
