President Ali has displayed outstanding leadership

Dear Editor,
Five months of political turmoil by the opposition APNU+AFC coalition Government following the March 2, 2020 election had not only threatened to derail the democratic process, but also wreaked havoc on the nation, as it plunged the country into chaos, the economy into shambles, and left most people confused and upset.
The eyes of the Caribbean and the world were watching Guyana, as everyone waited breathlessly to hear the results of the recounted votes, and whether the coalition Government would accept the results and demit office. To the surprise of many, and as some had predicted, as soon as the results were announced: that the PPPC had won the elections, the Granger-led coalition Government accepted the results and exited office.
Several political commentators have contended that the decision by the coalition Government to leave office was due to the relentless pressure from several Caricom states and members of the international community, particularly the United States, Britain and the European Union.
Immediately after he was declared the winner of the disputed March 2, election, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn-in as the 10th President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, on Sunday August 2, 2020. In his opening remarks, His Excellency consoled the nation, and called for peace as he pledged to conduct the affairs of the country in the interest of all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, status, or party affiliation. He said there is only one future, and that future requires a united and strong Guyana, and that every Guyanese would play a part in building the country.
Upon taking office, President Dr. Ali faced many obstacles and challenges, including a nation divided not only along racial lines, but also among party lines. However, with support from Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and the cabinet, he rose to the occasion. In an effort to heal the racial divide and unite the people, President Dr. Ali advanced the concept of “One Guyana”, which is indicative of his passion and dedication to put the country and its people first.
During this period, construction of new houses has ballooned, businesses have expanded, and unemployment has been reduced to its lowest level in more than two decades, thus causing a major shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour in the country. Today, Guyana has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a booming GDP of around 30 percent, and its oil reserves have reached an all-time high of about 12 billion barrels.
Despite some natural and man-made disasters, Guyana has undoubtedly had an amazing three years under the leadership of President Dr. Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Such rapid economic development and growth have placed Guyana on an upward economic path never seen or experienced before.
Regionally, President Ali has emerged as the leader of Latin America and the Caribbean, and has called for unity, the expansion of agricultural production, free trade, unrestricted migration; and, most of all, human development. He has provided guidance to the leaders of Caricom on several regional issues, including energy and food security, regional integration and cooperation, and reduction of the region’s huge food imports by US$5 billion by 2025.
Similarly, President Dr. Ali urged the leaders of Latin America to cooperate and to work together to develop the region and to make sure it remains a zone of peace.
On the international scene, President Ali’s influence has grown considerably, and has, for the first time in the country’s history, propelled Guyana to international status. And as he proclaimed Guyana’s neutrality, he called for cooperation, an end to armed conflict, respect for international law, fair and balanced trade policies, the sharing of global wealth and technology, and respect for the rights of all people to live in dignity in the pursuit of their prosperity and happiness.
Most of the leaders of the Caribbean, Latin America and the developed countries have commended President Ali for his strong and resolute leadership and dedication towards climate change, energy and food security, and agricultural development; all of which have existential economic, political and social outcomes for all nations, especially those in the Global South.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and achievements both at home and abroad, the Government of India in 2023 conferred on President Dr. Ali the overseas Indian Award the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. Also, in 2023, the Government of Barbados bestowed on His Excellency the Order of Freedom of Barbados in recognition of his strong commitment to enhance regional cooperation and regional integration, and to foster deeper socioeconomic partnerships, particularly in relation to Food and Nutrition Security and for the upliftment of the people of the region.
As Guyanese, are all proud of President Dr Ali for doing a superb job.

Sincerely,
Dr Asquith Rose