Pillars of the nation

Dear Editor,

As a nation united and strong with a binding culture and a joined destiny, we should take this grand opportunity to congratulate and salute President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for their astute leadership. We should extend our profound gratitude and deepest respect to a true legendary leader, Ali who had a remarkable and superlative first-term tenure as President of our beloved Guyana for five excellent years of dedicated, dutiful and patriotic service. His service is a staunch reminder of true and genuine leadership, which is not measured only in victories but in the quality of life he has changed, the people he has uplifted, and the communities he strengthened. President Ali phenomenal mark and huge contribution to public life will be a lasting inspiration for future generations, especially the youths who are considered the crown jewel of today’s generation. While this is a common reflection, President Ali recognises the potential, unique qualities and the vital role of youths as a powerful force for positive change and development and the architects of tomorrow greatness.
Since becoming President in August 2020 after five months of wrangling over the election results and despite several boldfaced attempts by APNU coalition to rig the election failed, Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s 10th President and his journey since then has been one of vision, buoyancy and unwavering devotion to the citizens of Guyana. From 2020, President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips and Vice President Jagdeo stood as the pillar of the nation. They were resolute and unshakable in guiding the country through some major challenges and triumphs. Their persistent and strong leadership have resulted in many transformations and dynamic and vibrant progress in healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and employment opportunities for tens of thousands of 10-day workers across the country. If nothing else, they have created a coalition of community leaders throughout the country. Not to mention the President active and spirited advocacy on the regional, hemispheric and global stage for peace, an end to poverty and food insecurity, and tangible proposals to solve global warming, among others have fortified a place for him, Guyana and the Global South countries not only to be heard but also be acknowledged and respected.
On the border issue, President Dr Irfaan Ali has stood firmly against the relentless, vicious and toxic threats from President Maduro regime. He urged Maduro to respect Guyana sovereign integrity and to abide by the impending decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and that his Government and the people of Guyana will not yield a square inch of its territory to Venezuela. He also admonished the Maduro regime that even though Guyana is a small nation and does not have the military capability or wherewithal to match the strength and size of the Venezuelan army, the resolve of the Guyanese people should not be underestimated.
The re-election of President Dr Ali on September 1, 2025, with a huge majority of parliamentary seats marks the beginning of a new, historic and remarkable five-year tenure in which his legacy will endure long after his mandate expires in 2030. He will continue to be a steadfast and committed defender of Caribbean unity, a guardian of peace, democracy and the rule of law and a devoted and distinguished statesmanship whose advocacy, influence, and involvement regionally and globally will continue to shape the future of the Caribbean and the world. President Dr Ali, Prime Minister Phillips and Vice President Dr Jagdeo have served Guyana well and in doing so, they have done a superb job, so I am proud to use the biblical terms “Well done thy good and faithful servants.”

Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose