Days after being elected as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali travelled to Berbice, on Tuesday, where he was given a resounding welcome as he commenced a national outreach programme with the intention of meeting with the electorate.
The presidential hopeful, who was accompanied by several party stalwarts, visited a number of villages on the West Coast of Berbic,e where he had the opportunity 
of meeting with youths and business owners among other stakeholders.
During his interactions, Ali listened to the painful stories of many persons, including youths who have complained about the difficulties they are facing to make ends meet and the broken promises of the coalition Government.
The residents also expressed concern at the deteriorating state of the economy, poor public health services and the high taxes imposed by the current Government. In addition, some elderly persons have also raised concerns about the meagre pension they receive and the hassle they face on a monthly basis to receive their monies.
The PPP/C presidential candidate also received requests from a number of
persons to reverse a number of draconian tax measures implemented by the coalition, including widening the Value Added Tax (VAT) base.
The residents were also upbeat about the results of the no-confidence motion. Many supporters of the coalition have also pledged their support to Ali and the PPP/C in the upcoming elections. Ali, on the other hand, spoke of the potential of Berbice and its economy, and pledged to work with everyone to realise it.
Ali is expected to continue his outreach to other parts of the country in the coming
days and weeks leading up to the General and Regional Elections constitutionally due by March 19, 2019.
Following his election as the Party’s presidential candidate, Ali told a gathering on the West Coast of Demerara of his plans to make heavy investment in the country’s agricultural sector as well as create some 50,000 jobs during the first year of his presidency.
