IMF Deputy Managing Director lauds economic expansion here, sounds cautionary notes Convicted rapist escapes from Mazaruni Prison
While extending glowing praise for Guyana’s oil-driven economic expansion, visiting Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Kenji Okamura did issue cautionary hints including on overheating of the economy and the need for balanced growth.
“I congratulated the authorities on the unparalleled economic expansion. Guyana today is in the position to reap the benefits of rapidly increasing oil revenues due to the hard-won gains from implementing reforms and adjustment over the years. The plans put in place by the authorities and the strong progress are benefiting the entire population through better healthcare and educational programs, housing policies, energy, and transportation infrastructure. Most importantly, these plans are also providing current and future generations with entrepreneurial and work opportunities through very strong economic growth, and a more diversified and climate resilient economy”, he said in a statement at the conclusion of his visit.
He commended the authorities for the “visionary” Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and said that the sale of carbon credits and use of these funds supports the Amerindian population, finances climate adaptation needs, and fosters renewable and cleaner energy needed for development. The strategy, which includes marine conservation and increased biodiversity goals, is ambitious, he said.
“Notwithstanding the recent economic boom, Guyana still faces significant human and infrastructure development needs. I strongly support the authorities’ efforts to improve economic welfare through public investment, while avoiding the non-trivial risk of economic overheating. The authorities have managed this transformation successfully thus far, and we agreed that continuing to maintain macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability are paramount”, he stated. The fact that debt sustainability was mentioned is significant in light of the Guyana Government’s borrowing and recent significant lifting of the external and domestic debt ceilings.
“In addition, we discussed the authorities’ efforts to develop a large skilled labor force to ensure a balanced growth path with low inflation and opportunities for well-paying jobs throughout the country.
“We also discussed, and I applauded the authorities for driving the charge to reduce food imports by 25 percent in the Caribbean region by 2025 and move closer to the goal of achieving food security”,
Akeem Wong, a convict serving a 15-year sentence for rape, escaped from the Mazaruni prison compound yesterday.
According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), the escape occurred at around 7.20 am. At the time, Wong along with inmate Gilbert Gill, were working in the fields in the custody of Prison Officer Torres. Wong then requested to defecate which Officer Torres granted him permission to do.
However, after around five minutes had passed, Torres decided to check on Wong and discovered him missing. An alarm was immediately raised.
A search is currently underway and as a precautionary measure the prison has been placed on lockdown. The GPS meanwhile is urging the public to exercise caution and vigilance.
“We urge the public to he said.
Okamura said that he gained a deeper understanding of Guyana’s “impressive economic transformation”, and very much appreciated the excellent, longstanding relations between Guyana and the IMF. He said that he looked forward to continued partnership through regular policy dialogue and technical assistance, including through the Caribbean Region Technical Assistance Center.
“I am delighted to be in Guyana. This is exercise caution and vigilance and report any sightings or information regarding Akeem Wong’s whereabouts to the authorities immediately.
“The safety and security of the public remain our top priorities, and every effort is being made to ensure the swift and safe apprehension of the escaped prisoner.”
In 2020, Wong, 26, of Lot 62 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was sentenced by Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry at the High Court in Georgetown.
Despite a guilty plea, Wong told a probation officer that he was unaware that the victim was 14years-old and that he was my first visit, and I would like to thank President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Finance Minister Ashni Singh, as well as other ministers and senior officials for their warm hospitality and for the productive meetings. I would also like to thank the representatives from the health and housing sectors for the site visits arranged, and the Amerindian community of Moraikobai, and the private sector, for their welcome and useful discussions”, he said. committing a crime. He claimed that she told him she was 16 years old and had consented to the act.
A probation report presented to the judge stated that Wong now understands the law and is regretful that he broke the law. He said that he is now aware that an underage person cannot give consent to have sexual intercourse.
Wong also said that he was sorry for his actions and asked the victim to forgive him since he knows that she is hurting. He claimed that he would have compensated the victim financially if he had the money to do so.
Wong was sentenced to 15 years in prison.