Guyana’s Vision 25 by 2025: President Ali Touts Major Milestones

Guyana Chronicle | President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that Guyana is ahead of its regional goal to reduce the food import bill by 25% by 2025, despite recent hurricanes affecting the Caribbean region. The President shared this update during the second edition of his “In the Seat” show, addressing questions from five women journalists on pressing issues.

When asked about the food security goal for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which Guyana is leading, President Ali acknowledged some disruptions due to natural disasters. However, he emphasized that Guyana remains on track. “Fortunately for us, although we went through two major floods, we are way ahead of the plan,” he stated. The President also highlighted that by next year, Guyana will achieve self-sufficiency in corn and soya production and will even export black-eyed peas and red beans. “And by the end of 2026, we will be exporting corn and soya out of the region,” he added.

Against this backdrop, President Ali noted that integrating Northern Brazil into the regional food hub presents an opportunity to reduce food costs in the region, as imported inflation significantly impacts many countries. However, he commended CARICOM’s commitment to the 25 by 2025 goal, stating that every Prime Minister in the region has embraced the strategy with full determination and invested heavily to achieve the target.

The recent damage caused by Hurricane Beryl and other tropical storms has impacted the 25 by 2025 plans, affecting spice and banana cultivation and causing asset losses for fisherfolks. Despite these challenges, President Ali noted progress in the region but expressed disappointment at the pace of removing trade barriers. “But we have had successes too… our milk is now in Barbados… I know we are working now to have our ice cream in different countries,” he said.

Dr. Ali also highlighted major challenges with Trinidad & Tobago, primarily due to bureaucratic layers and archaic laws. These issues were raised with Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley and other regional leaders, who expressed a desire to find a way forward.

The “Vision 25 by 2025” initiative, implemented in 2021, aims to establish long-term social and economic partnerships among member states, the private sector, regional organizations, development partners, and civil society. The primary objective is to invest in projects that address the region’s growing food import bill and enhance intra-regional trade.