Gov’t, CDF hold talks on assistance programme

Technical support, loans and grants are expected to flow here from an assistance programme being conceptualised by the Caricom Development Fund (CDF) in partnership with the Guyana Government.

The CDF is a cohesion fund that provides assistance to countries within CARICOM that require contingency assistance to address any disparities that may arise in the Single Market and Economy (CSME). It was modelled after the European Cohesion Fund.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CDF, Ambassador Lorne Mc Donnough discussed the idea with President Donald Ramotar during a meeting at the Office of the President on Thursday, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, CDF Senior Advisor of Corporate Governance and Development Fay Housty and Regional Development Director Lenox Forte were also present.

As part of the establishment criteria, the CDF must make the proposal at the CDF board level but Ambassador Mc Donnough was hopeful that the country assistance programme will be completed shortly, clearing the way for the disbursement of funds before September of this year.

He said the Guyana government has been very supportive of the CDF and was optimistic that the country’s new President will perpetuate the patronage.