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The Caribbean is estimated to have grown by 2.4 percent in 2008,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, reflecting the rapid transmission of the global downturn into those regional economies, which are dominated by tourism and financial services sectors, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said.During the 2009 Budget presentation in the National Assembly on Monday,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, Dr. Singh said that significant job losses have already been reported in some of the Region’s major tourism centres.These conditions, he said, are expected to persist for some time, and growth in the Region is projected at 1.4 percent in 2009.The achievement of this projection will depend heavily on the Region’s ability to adapt its tourism product and the pace with which other sectors of productive activity can be mobilized, he said.Making reference to the CLICO meltdown in Trinidad, the Finance Minister said that the issue serves as a reminder to the Region of the absence of immunity from financial crisis even in this part of the world.The liquidity difficulties, he noted, resulted in regulatory intervention, including acquisition of assets, injection of liquidity, and compulsory restructuring of holdings.The swift response by the authorities in Trinidad,Cheap Jerseys NFL, he added, provided adequate reassurance that systemic stability was not in jeopardy, but the avoidance and containment of similar risk going forward will be critical to the safeguarding of the Region’s growth prospects.In the same way that the global financial crisis brought home the urgency of reform of the international financial institutions, last week’s events in the Region highlighted the need for renewed attention to regional endeavours in areas such as financial sector supervision and oversight, collaboration among regulatory authorities.In his Budget presentation the Finance Minister pointed out that the current economic challenges facing the Region should sharpen focus on the need for accelerated progress in implementing the Caricom Single Market and Economy,Cheap Jerseys Free, including in such aspects as the movement of factors of production to mobilize the comparative advantages within the Region.In the midst of the world financial crisis,Cheap Jerseys From China, he said, Guyanese during 2008 made time to send a resounding reminder to the Caribbean of the country’s unmatched reputation for hospitality, and to put the rest of the world on notice that Guyana has all of the ingredients of a tourism destination of preferred choice.“Whether you attended a super concert,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, an art exhibition, a steel band recital, an evening of the performing arts, or one of the grand markets or fashion shows, this eight day cultural extravaganza was a treat for both Guyanese and visitors alike.”He added that the Carifesta X has left lasting impressions, created in the minds of those who visited including those from the Diaspora. |
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