Overcome internal divisions -- President Jagdeo tells nation Guyana Chronicle May 26, 2000 PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo last night urged Guyanese to overcome the internal divisions that were engineered during Guyana's colonial history, and subsequently exploited. Addressing the traditional Flag-raising ceremony at the National Park, Georgetown to mark Guyana's 34th Independence anniversary, the President said that the unity that "we seek" is one that respects our diversity. "Our different historical and cultural backgrounds make us such a fascinating nation," he told a large gathering that had witnessed a sparkling cultural presentation before the beginning of the official programme. According to President Jagdeo, the many strands of Guyana's national fibre must be brought together so that while each is distinct, all contribute to a beautiful whole. "Let us therefore learn to appreciate each other's beliefs and culture, knowing that with such appreciation will emerge the basis for all our people to live in harmony as Guyanese," the President reasoned. Key to Guyana going forward, he continued, is the preservation of democracy. He noted that without democracy there can be no genuine development and lasting peace. President Jagdeo declared: "My Government is fully committed to democratic ideals. A component of our democracy is periodic elections and I am confident that with the cooperation of all political parties and the support of the people of Guyana we can have elections that are free, fair and free from fear." He said he was confident that whatever differences there may be can be resolved if "we bear in mind that we have a duty to do what is right for Guyana." President Jagdeo told the nation that there are political differences that arise from time to time but that these differences have to be resolved through dialogue as in any democracy. "As Guyanese leaders, we owe this to our people. My Government sincerely wants to find practical and inclusive solutions to all issues of national development." "...Guyana will not be prosperous if some sections remain behind. I want to make it clear...threats and intimidation are not acceptable means of resolving differences," he advised. "On this historic Independence Anniversary I want to share some thoughts on how I see us working together to face the challenges ahead and build a bright future. The major thrust of my administration is rapid economic development of the country," President Jagdeo said. He indicated that his vision for Guyana caters for the essential needs of all the people, and the creation of a modern society with a highly educated population. This vision is reflected in Guyana's National Development Strategy and in the budgetary framework, the President said. Priorities aim at revolutionising education; providing housing; improving water supply; creating job opportunities through more investment, and promoting an inclusive society in which all the people have a stake. "We have committed ourselves to building a strong economy based on our vast natural resources and utilising the advances made in science and technology. On their part, the private sector and labour must fulfill their roles in enhancing economic activities," President Jagdeo stated. He urged Guyanese to recognise that cooperation, not confrontation, is the vehicle that will allow the nation to benefit from investment and jobs. Stating that the Government has embarked on an aggressive drive to encourage more local and foreign entrepreneurs to do business in Guyana, the President said that the nation stands to benefit through jobs and wealth creation, revenue flows and, access to capital and modern technology. In this sensitive, competitive and fragile global economy, any instability discourages investment, he observed. Mr Jagdeo stressed that investment means jobs for the people, especially youths. And bread for families. The Guyanese leader noted that the Government is encouraging investments in value-added manufacturing utilising the vast resources like wood, agricultural produce, fish, shrimp, gold, diamond, and traditional products like rice, sugar and bauxite. The eco-tourism sector is geared for a dramatic jump-start, he said. Guyana, Mr Jagdeo noted, is showcasing its natural attractions and scenic beauty, and building a dynamic service and job-creating Eco-tourist industry which can make it the envy of the Caribbean! "We are also exploring new frontiers for investments. Concerted efforts are being made to secure investment in the fields of information technology and communication. This new industry is growing all over the world at a breath-taking pace. It has potentials for transforming Guyana and creating high-paying jobs for many people," he said. President Jagdeo emphasised that Guyana has put in place a very liberal incentive package to encourage investments. Added to this have been the dramatic reforms in the financial and other sectors to give greater comfort levels to investors. "Our Government has created a very stable macro-economic environment. We have reduced interest rates, realised a single digit inflation and reduced the national foreign debt from US$2.1 billion to US$1.2 billion." To improve the business climate among other measures, the Government has passed a new Companies Act, a new Insurance Act and Securities Legislation. It has repealed the Exchange Control and Capital Issues Act, and made structural reforms in areas such as the public sector, the revenue sector and in land distribution, the President remarked. Mr Jagdeo reiterated that the reason why much emphasis is placed on investment is because job-creation is a top priority. "This is not a partisan issue. It is an issue of national importance. It is intended to improve the well being of the citizens of our country, and I hope we have the full cooperation of civil and political society," President Jagdeo said. Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today