By Josiah Williams
Guyana and the Dominican Republic have embarked on a collaborative effort to establish a food ecosystem that aims to not only cater to the needs of both nations but also to benefit the entire Caribbean region.
This initiative was unveiled at the inaugural United Caribbean Forum, which commenced earlier today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership between the two countries, emphasizing its significance in bolstering food security, energy sustainability, and infrastructure development across the region.
He underscored the Dominican Republic’s expertise in key sectors such as tourism, energy, infrastructure, and food production, which complements Guyana’s abundant arable lands and freshwater resources.
During his address at the forum, President Ali outlined the vision for the collaboration, citing the opportunity to leverage each country’s strengths to create a robust food ecosystem unparalleled in the region.
He emphasized the strategic alignment of Guyana’s agricultural competitiveness with the Dominican Republic’s technological advancements, particularly in aquaculture, as a cornerstone of this endeavor.
Additionally, President Ali highlighted the potential for integrating Brazil into the proposed food system, further expanding its scope and impact.
Former US President Bill Clinton, who participated in the panel discussion, expressed pride in the partnership between Guyana and the Dominican Republic and lauded the progress achieved thus far.
He emphasized the transformative potential of such collaborations in revitalizing regional cooperation and revitalizing CARICOM.
President Ali reiterated the imperative for Guyana to harness its natural assets, including forests, natural gas, and petroleum, to drive regional energy transformation.
He emphasized the need for proactive engagement and strategic utilization of these resources to propel the Caribbean region towards sustainable development.
The United Caribbean Forum serves as a platform for fostering closer ties, exploring investment opportunities, and promoting cooperation among Caribbean nations.
With a focus on partnership and innovation, the forum aims to chart a course for inclusive growth and prosperity in the region.