Caribbean Development Bank President Wraps Up First Official Visit, Reaffirms Commitment to Guyana
News
The new President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Daniel Best, has left Guyana following a successful three-day visit that included the commissioning of two schools.
Education Development
The Exceptional Learners’ Centre, a special education school, and the new Onderneeming Primary School were constructed as two of several partnership developmental projects between the Guyana government and the CDB. Best, who delivered remarks at the opening of the Exceptional Learners’ Centre, said it was a significant milestone in the government’s commitment to provide inclusive and equitable education for all children, regardless of their abilities.
Infrastructure Development
During the opening ceremony at Onderneeming Primary School, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh said the government is working to establish the infrastructure to ensure that every child, even those who are differently abled, can get a good-quality primary and secondary education. He added: "We are ramping up our school feeding program to ensure that our learners have access to a minimum threshold of good nutritional meals, the procurement and distribution of textbooks so that all of the primary and secondary school students have access to a minimum list of mandatory textbooks. That has never been previously achieved in our country. Today, it is being achieved."
Developmental Projects
Before opening the two schools, Dr. Singh and a team from his ministry met with Best and his visiting team. Discussions centered on how the government and the CDB could further their collaborative efforts on additional developmental projects in Guyana as the country accelerates its development agenda. The meeting also referenced projects already in their implementation stages and their status, such as the Linden to Mabura Road and the Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute at Port Mourant, Berbice.
CDB’s Commitment
During the meeting, Minister Singh also expressed appreciation for the CDB’s unwavering commitment to a development partnership with Guyana and for choosing Guyana as the first country he visited since his appointment. He said the CDB had been a reliable partner to Guyana, a founding member of the bank. "Now, as we go through this period of transformation and navigate this very different time in Guyana’s economic history, we look forward to the relationship with the CDB evolving and adapting accordingly," the finance minister said. "We intend to continue to be active shareholders in the bank, and we look forward to the bank’s active support and partnership."
Conclusion
The CDB President and team’s visit aimed to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to Guyana and explore opportunities for expanded partnership in pursuit of national development goals. The visit also provided an opportunity for dialogue on the government’s economic objectives and priorities and how CDB can continue to support them through its assistance and lending programs.
FAQs
- What was the purpose of the CDB President’s visit to Guyana?
The visit aimed to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to Guyana and explore opportunities for expanded partnership in pursuit of national development goals. - What were the main topics discussed during the meeting between the government and the CDB?
The meeting centered on how the government and the CDB could further their collaborative efforts on additional developmental projects in Guyana as the country accelerates its development agenda. - What is the CDB’s commitment to Guyana?
The CDB has been a reliable partner to Guyana, a founding member of the bank, and has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the country’s development goals.
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