Guyana under massive transformation to change lives of citizens – Ali tells US diaspora

For the diaspora to be confident in systems to return to Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali said, fundamental principles of transformation are currently in the works to enhance the lives of citizens.

The Head of State attended a reception with members of the Guyanese diaspora on Wednesday evening at Guyana’s Embassy in Washington DC.
He was joined by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Hinds; and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.
In addressing the gathering, Ali pointed out that the diaspora community would want a level of confidence in the local system to return to these shores, which Government is seeking to address.
“You want to know that you can return to a healthcare system that can take care of your family. You want to know that you can return to an education system that can give your children the best possible education. And you want to know that you can return to a system where the security of your family is not a worry, but a given. These are three fundamental principles that we must address.”
However, at the same time, he said such aspirations extend beyond infrastructural investments. Physical transformation must be complemented by human transformation – a feat that must be undertaken by every Guyanese, which brings focus on the One Guyana initiative led by President Ali.
“These are fundamental issues which require a change in mindset, thinking, attitude, behaviour, and the way we operate. That requires hard work, commitment, the involvement of every Guyanese in this project called One Guyana,” he explained.
“If you come to Guyana now, you will see massive changes in the physical transformation. The physical transformation must be supported with institutional transformation, and that is why we have to ensure that the system of governance works,” he added.
In enabling human transformation of Guyanese, the President outlined that his Government has been investing heavily in education and healthcare in order to bring world-class services to the people. Government would also create the human resources necessary to manifest the developmental trajectory.
“We’re investing heavily in education and healthcare. This investment is to ensure we give Guyanese the best possible healthcare and education, second to none in the world, so that they can live a long, healthy and rewarding life”.
He mentioned that the Guyana which his administration is trying to build is one that must reflect the values that define us as a people.
“We cannot build a Guyana that does not reflect the values we share as a people…When someone says they’re Guyanese, they must be a symbol of the rule of law, democracy, ethnic harmony, unity, tolerance. This is how a Guyanese identity must be defined.
“When we combine the collective differences in our individual identity, we get the identity that is called Guyanese. That is fundamentally important, because that will shape our character,” the Guyanese Leader noted.
He reiterated that Government is trying to build a resilient and sustainable pathway to prosperity that is not completely dependent on the oil and gas sector. Ali contended that the resources will be used to ensure that the other sectors flourish.
“In advancing this process of development, we have tremendous opportunities ahead of us. You should be proud that this is your heritage…We are building thousands of homes, creating and improving the net value asset of individuals and families. That is what we’re about; giving every single family the best opportunity at prosperity,” he added. (G12)