The World Bank plans to disburse another US$60 to US$70 million in programmes into Guyana over the next three years as it comtemplates it new country assistance package.

In view of the rising food prices and Guyana's push to grow more food, the Government has agreed with the Bank to channel more of these funds into agricukture.

The announcement was made by visiting World Bank Communications Officer, Mr Alejandro Cedeno, who said the Bank is seeking to forge closer ties with the media and civil society with a view to increased monitoring of its projects and programmes in Guyana and in the region.

He further pointed out that because of the programmes in operation, Guyana "is a very important country to us". The five major programmes being financed in Guyana are HIV/AIDS, prevention and Control projects signed in 2004 in the amount of US$10 million, the Water Section Consolidation Project signed in 2005 in the amount of US$11.3 million, the Education for All Fast Tract Initiative signed for US$45 million in 2003, the Conservancy Adaoption Project, a Global Environmental Facility grant of US$3.6 million, and the Guyana National Statistics Strategy and Statistical Development project..

Story courteously provided from the Guyana High Commission Newsletter.