President Ali handled Mahdia tragedy superbly

Dear Editor,
Now that the Local Government Elections are over and the fact that the PPP/C Government has gained a substantial number of votes in almost every district, town, and region, shows that the Government has made significant progress in getting the cross-over votes. As revealed in the results, the PPP/C has won five out of the ten towns—Anna Regina, Lethem, Mabaruma, Rose Hall and Corriverton—and tied with the Opposition APNU in its strongholds in Bartica and Mahdia.
This is a clear indication of President Dr Ali’s Administration’s proactive policies to develop the country, rebuild the infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and raise the living standards of the people by making sure that everyone benefits from the country’s resources and oil wealth. In his outreaches to every village, town, and region in the country the Head of State has graciously said several times that he wants to live in a country where all are treated fairly and equally and become involved in the development process and that no one must be excluded or discriminated against based on race, ethnicity or party or religious affiliation.
The LGE came on the heels of the catastrophic fire at Mahdia Secondary School Dorm for females that took the lives of twenty teenage students, leaving seven critically injured and several others hospitalised and traumatised. As reported in the media, the fire was allegedly set by a disgruntled student. It was the worse tragedy that has ever happened in Guyana in its pre-and post-independence period. And although nothing could have prepared President Dr Ali for such a tragic event, he handled the situation superbly. He was very considerate, and compassionate as he comforted the grieving parents and relatives of the victims.
Upon hearing the sad news, President Dr Ali immediately travelled to Mahdia, where he joined the ministerial team headed by Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and met with the parents and families of the children who lost their lives to convey his sincerest sympathy and condolences to them. The President appeared saddened and pained at the loss of so many young lives in the blaze. He consoled the families and assured them that his Government would provide the necessary support to help the grieving families cope with the loss of their loved ones. His Excellency declared three days of mourning as a sign of respect for the young victims and asked the nation to pray for their heartbroken families. While at Mahdia, several leaders from various countries around the world including our Caricom neighbours have called President Dr Ali and offered to assist in any way they can.
President Ali has led with integrity, courage, and compassion and the appreciation shown to him by the relatives of the young victims and the people of Mahdia during their grieving period confirmed the love and respect they have for him and his Administration. In dealing with the situation, President Ali had no script to guide him as to how to handle the tragedy because none of its kind has ever happened in the history of the country. But if anyone had any doubts about his compassion and sorrow for the grieving families, and his aptitude to lead the nation into mourning and prayers, then those doubts should be laid to rest.
Even with natural disasters such as floods or man-made catastrophes such as the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School Dorm for females, Guyana has undoubtedly had an amazing three years with President Ali at the helm. Today, the country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and is considered one of the major oil producers with a GDP of approximately 45 per cent. With the highest GDP in the world, Guyana is on an upward economic path never seen or experienced by previous Governments or generations. However, many developmental experts believe that one of the greatest hindrances to the development of the country will be a shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour, which is currently the case in Guyana.
Prior to 2020, it was always easy for Heads of State from countries such as the US, Canada, and other Western developed countries to recognise the leaders from prominent Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. This is not the case today.
In the last three years, Guyana has been recognised throughout the world and is considered one of the most influential countries in the international system because of some epic announcements by His Excellency on climate change, food security, renewable energy, and fair-trade practices, among others. All Guyanese should be proud of President Dr Ali for his dedication and determination to make Guyana a prosperous country.

Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose