The World Bank has indicated that it is prepared to expand its cooperation with Guyana, with several areas including health, education, housing, food security and flood mitigation among those identified for continued support.
The commitment was reaffirmed during talks on Wednesday between President Dr Irfaan Ali, members of his Cabinet and the World Bank’s Division Director for the Caribbean, Achim Fock, at State House.
Following the meeting, the Office of the President said the discussions centred on strengthening the existing relationship between Guyana and the international financial institution.
“The World Bank team reiterated its commitment to working with President Ali and his Government to advance cooperation and partnerships on projects in health, education, poverty reduction, housing, flood mitigation and food security, among other areas,” the Office of the President stated.
Guyana and the World Bank are already working together on several initiatives, including the Guyana One Health project, the Caribbean Efficient and Green Buildings programme, as well as projects targeting human capital development and the integrated transport corridor.
Fock, who was recently appointed the World Bank’s Division Director for the Caribbean, is currently visiting Guyana as Diletta Doretti prepares to conclude her tenure as the institution’s Country Representative for Guyana and Suriname. Juan Carlos Alvarez is expected to take over that portfolio.
As part of his visit, Fock also held discussions with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, with the talks focusing particularly on energy and renewable energy development.
He also met Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on Tuesday. That engagement included discussions on the World Bank’s continued partnership with the Government and projects undertaken over the years.
