News Source Guyana Reports : Nigel Hughes, the presidential candidate for the Alliance for Change (AFC), announced a comprehensive economic plan aimed at diversifying Guyana’s economy by investing in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
During a press conference, Hughes highlighted the potential of the palm oil industry, which is projected to grow from a current valuation of $65 billion to nearly $100 billion by 2030. He emphasized the need for international ports in strategic regions to facilitate this growth.
“We would encourage large and medium-scale palm oil production,” Hughes stated. “The state will create incentives for the harvesting, storage, and direct export of palm oil from Region One.” Currently, Guyana’s palm oil exports are minimal, and Hughes believes that enhancing infrastructure will significantly boost production and export capacity.
In addition to palm oil, Hughes outlined plans to ramp up coconut production, particularly in Region Two. He noted that much of the coconut water consumed in Guyana is bottled in Trinidad and Tobago, and the AFC intends to change that by ensuring local bottling and exportation.
To support these initiatives, Hughes proposed constructing an international port at Charity, leveraging the Pomeroon River’s depth for efficient transportation. “With such a port, Charity could become one of the country’s primary economic hubs,” he said, emphasizing the need for supporting infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads.
Hughes also addressed the long-discussed Goshen Highway project, which he stated would be prioritized under an AFC administration. He criticized the current government for delays, highlighting the importance of this road as a link between interior regions and coastal markets.
In Region 4, Hughes spoke about transforming Durban Park into a transportation hub akin to Grand Central Station, facilitating movement from various regions into Georgetown. He proposed introducing light rail systems to alleviate traffic congestion, stating, “Adding 10,000 cars every quarter on the existing roads is crazy.”
Additionally, Hughes announced plans for another deepwater port at Clonbrook to enhance trade and investment. This port would facilitate the movement of goods from landlocked Northern Brazil to international markets, significantly reducing transportation times.
As the AFC prepares to contest the General and Regional Elections on September 1, Hughes is seeking to revitalize the party’s presence in the political landscape. The AFC previously secured seven seats in the National Assembly in 2011 and is now aiming for a major comeback after severing ties with its coalition partner APNU.
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