Declaring that the outlook for 2022 is exciting, President Irfaan Ali last night said that it will not be without challenges as the country continues to face a worsening global supply chain.
“The consequences of which will be continued rising prices for imported goods, supplies and transportation services. This, coupled with climate change and the pandemic, would require robust and strategic policymaking to mitigate against the full consequences of the challenges, both social and economic, as I outlined before”, the President said in his Christmas message.
Noting the COVID-19 pandemic, Ali said that it is “with great sadness that we reflect on all the lives we have lost in the pandemic. However, we must take strength and be hopeful in the countless human sacrifices and the sense of community the pandemic has generated”.
He thanked the country’s bilateral and international partners, all frontline workers and members of the government, the National Covid-19 task force and the joint services, for their selfless work.
He urged members of the public to do their part by getting vaccinated, taking the booster shots and wearing a mask when in public.
He added: “As we celebrate these holidays, we must be aware of the countless initiatives that have contributed to a positive outlook for our country. Despite the ravages of the pandemic and its consequences on the global economy, we in Guyana can still be proud of a robust economy, positive growth, enhanced social services and greater benefits, in cash and kind, being passed down to the population”.