President Ali conferred with Barbados’ highest national award

– PSC, other bodies laud Ali for stellar leadership in Caribbean

President Dr Irfaan Ali has been conferred with the Order of Freedom of Barbados, that country’s highest national award.
The Guyanese Head of State was among the list of honourees announced on Thursday as the country celebrated its 57th Independence Anniversary.
With this award, Ali has been lauded for his ‘strong commitment to enhancing cooperation to achieve regional integration and deeper social and economic partnerships for the upliftment of the people of Barbados and the region’.
Among the outpour of congratulatory messages was that from the Private Sector Commission (PSC), highlighting that this is a testament to his remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to fostering cooperation and achieving regional integration.
“His efforts towards deeper social and economic partnerships for the upliftment of the people of Barbados and the wider region have not gone unnoticed. The Private Sector Commission acknowledges President Ali’s outstanding contributions, which exemplify the values of collaboration, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of society. This Honourary Award, while traditionally reserved for Barbadians, is a well-deserved recognition of President Ali’s exceptional service and dedication,” the Commission stated.
Well-deserved accolades were bestowed upon him in September and October 2023. The Global Inspirational Leadership Award, conferred by the African Leadership Magazine, reflected President Ali’s outstanding advocacy on behalf of the developing world, a recognition that underscores his global impact.
Moreover, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Award, received for contribution to food security and sustainable development, highlights President Ali’s exemplary leadership in agricultural transformation, and his unwavering commitment to building resilient economies in Guyana and the Caribbean.
“We commend President Ali for his vision and leadership in enhancing cooperation, not only for the benefit of Barbados, but also for the broader Caribbean community. His commitment to regional integration aligns with the goals of the Private Sector Commission, and we look forward to continued collaboration in fostering economic growth and prosperity.”

Strengthening ties
Additionally, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) penned that this is a demonstration of the strides made in strengthening ties between Guyana and the Caribbean community.
The Association underlined, “The Order of Freedom of Barbados is the country’s highest national award, and President Ali’s recognition is a great achievement, not only for himself, but for the people of Guyana. This accomplishment highlights Guyana’s dedication to regional integration and collaboration in promoting economic progress and social welfare across the Caribbean.”
On behalf of the Region Three Private Sector Incorporated, Halim Khan noted that Ali’s dedication to enhancing cooperation has not only earned him this esteemed honour, but also serves as an inspiration for leaders across the globe.
“It is a remarkable achievement that highlights his outstanding contributions to the upliftment of communities and the pursuit of shared goals for the greater good. His recognition alongside distinguished figures like Rwandan President Paul Kagame speaks volumes about the calibre of leadership that President Ali embodies. Even as he displays remarkable leadership in the face of the Venezuela controversy,” Khan stated.

Sterling leadership
Adding to the list of congratulations was the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Guyana’s largest umbrella body of organised labour.
FITUG and its affiliates, namely: the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU); and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), said the award to the President is yet another representation of the sterling leadership and exemplary dedication towards the upliftment of the well-being and welfare of the Caribbean peoples.
“We are conscious that since assuming office just three short years ago, President Ali has remained an ardent supporter and proponent of regional integration and collaboration. The President has never wavered from this objective, and undoubtedly recognises the important historical and contemporary role played by our country towards the long-cherished dream of a united Caribbean in addition to the opportunities of our unity,” the body said.
During this period, attention was placed on the deepening of relations between Guyana and Barbados under the leadership of President Ali and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. The Federation said it is aware of several initiatives in this direction, no doubt geared to furthering the links between our two countries, whose relations date back many years.
“The recognition by the Barbadian Government and people is yet another indication of the fruitful relations between the peoples of two outstanding Caribbean states. We are certain that as President Ali takes up the mantle as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the first half of 2024, we will witness further efforts by him to foster regionalism and forge a common Caribbean identity. Indeed, under his leadership, we are convinced that regional integration would receive a fillip,” FITUG expressed.