INVESTMENTS:
It is said, if one’s house is set in order, then there can be innumerable personal successes.
We have many very small businesses in Guyana. If guided by responsible government agencies, they can grow and contribute to society. Perhaps, each creating employment for one or two individuals.
These types of ventures can create substantial employment opportunities for young people.
If we create an environment of proper business systems, we will demonstrate our abilities of producing quality products with credibility. We would have then developed a climate, manufacturing to meet our consumer demands. Developing what we already have in the country. In controlled fashion.
We can then attract Foreign Investments in manufacturing.
It is a proven fact, those economies with a great emphasis in the manufacturing sector are wealthy nations. But there are so many things to be ironed out before we can be competitive foreign suppliers. Container costs are sometimes prohibitive for the export of some of our agricultural commodities.
SETTING THE TREND:
Previous governments have put in place the basics for a manufacturing sector. But, they did not follow through with the commitment of getting it on track.
It is important to stream line products that are manufactured in Guyana at the present-be it arts and craft with fabric and wood or metal fabrication. The possibility exists that entrepreneurs are operating their businesses in archaic conditions, thereby missing out on much needed technical support. They are small, not needing large spaces for their businesses, the lack of finances to purchase or rent adequate spaces in an appropriate environment are hindrance to their growth.
At all costs, emphasis and effort must be made to create sustainable employment. At the onset the costs would be great, but it is setting the groundwork of the acceptable trends.
SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Industrial Estates managed by NICIL are under-utilized. These Industrial Estates must be enhanced to encourage growth and employment.
1) Industrial Malls should constructed with spaces of 1000 sqft.
2) There must frequent surveillance (day and night) to ensure the security of investments. Guyana has developed a culture of complete disrespect for the properties of others. It is important the State be involved in the policing until the lawlessness achieves a level of acceptance. This is crucial in the campaign for Foreign Investments.
3) Waste Disposal. Currently that is a major problem at Industrial Sites.
4) Power Generation at Industrial Estates to meet the necessary needs. A combination of Wind, Solar and Fuel power generation must be implemented. This method will control maintenance and power generation for prescribed needs of each of the Industrial Estates throughout the country. Lower usage and costs for transmission lines. A Co-operative Body manages the day to day operations of the Power Generation Facilities. Manufacturing needs sustainable electricity at a reasonable costs.
5) A Council set up to monitor and provide support to entrepreneurs on the manufacture of their products. This approach will ensure productivity, safe working environment for employees and the assurances that employee are sustainable employed with decent wages to provide for good and meaningful lives for their families.
6) Taxation and NIS are better monitored with this system-better for the government, employers and employees.
7) Progress can be measured easily.
8) Reviews, Revisions and Implementations are less cumbersome.