Dear Editor,
As reported in Stabroek News, July 4, 2023, the Government Of Guyana (GOG) signed a US$150 Million loan with Saudi Arabia’s – Saudi Fund for Development ( SFD). Representing Saudi Arabia at the signing was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and, for Guyana, President Irfaan Ali, Dr. Ashni Singh and a slew of other Ministers. This Loan is intended to build a 4-lane Wismar Bridge as well as approximately 2000 homes in three (3) regions in Guyana.
I perused many articles but could not find the contract details that are of importance to the Guyanese public.
Could the Guyana Government please elucidate on:
1) What is the annual interest rate on this US$150, million loan, abridged or otherwise, that Guyana is/will be paying?
2) What is the life of the loan/redemption date- when Principal Payment-US$150 Million have to be repaid, in full, to the Saudis?
3) Will GOG be drawing down on this loan in tranches or all at one time?
4) Will the US$150 Million enter into Guyana’s Treasury to be disbursed accordingly or will it be paid directly by the Saudis to the entities contracted by the Guyana Government to complete these projects?
Anticipating a reply. Thanks.
Subrian, Esq.