“Comprehensive package” for all teachers – Ali announces

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced the Government’s plans to deliver a “comprehensive package” to fulfil the needs of teachers across the country.
“We are working towards a comprehensive package for the improvement of your lives,” Ali said. “Your lives are not only about salary, it is a comprehensive package that must be able to give you good, sustainable housing and allow you to provide for your children; and for your children, too, to have a great future [with] great opportunities,” Ali said during a visit to Beterverwagting Secondary School on Wednesday.

Addressing concerns of the school’s headteacher, President Ali also promised to fix the school’s internet connection and deliver a public address (PA) system and computers by the end of the week.
He assured the school’s administration that an assessment of their furniture needs would be completed shortly, as well as an examination of the school grounds by Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, to ascertain the possibility of a building extension.

Take advantage
Speaking to the secondary school students present, the President encouraged them to continue working hard and to take advantage of the educational opportunities that the Government is presenting to them.
“Focus on your education. There are tremendous opportunities now. As soon as you’re finished here, you can go on to scholarships under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme. We’re working towards ensuring that University of Guyana (UG) education will also be made free,” Ali said.
“All of these things are giving you a better chance of a better future,” he continued. “All you have to do now is to concentrate on your work, keep your priorities right, and work with your teachers.”
On the walkabout around the school’s vicinity, President Ali also identified Republic Drive, Ogle Street and Oronoque Street as areas for rehabilitative works. Among the interventions planned are improvement of drainage systems, construction of a bridge and concrete footpath, and renovation of the Community Centre.
This week, the President has been visiting several areas to assess their progress and meet with citizens to determine their needs and address their concerns. On Tuesday, Dr. Ali inspected the ongoing road upgrades connecting Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara, which aims to reduce travel time and traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Enmore to inspect the first 50 five-acre plots under development, Ali remarked that the development will result in industrial, commercial and light commercial lands for economic use.
As this area will be connected to the Aubrey Barker Road, which will be interconnected to the East Bank Demerara corridor, President Ali noted that Guyana is on the move with aggressive infrastructure development.