President Ali hosts outreach in Tiger Bay

– distributes COVID-19 relief to residents, listens to concerns

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday received a warm reception as he visited the community of Tiger Bay to lend an ear to concerns of residents and deliver hampers to households.
Accompanying the Head of State was First Lady, Arya Ali; National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia and several members of the Private Sector.
The team would have engaged youths and other sections of the community to address issues and provide solutions, especially in the form of employment.

The Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organisation distributed a large quantity of items to residents and children. Residents came out in their numbers to throw support behind the new President, lauding him for taking on such an initiative.
Speaking with the media on the sidelines of the activity, President Ali said he intends to fulfil his role throughout the next five years in ensuring that all cross-sections of the country are assisted and supported to develop their communities.
“I have a responsibility as President to be in every single community, to listen to people, to understand the challenges on the ground and part of the role as Government is to develop a wide and encompassing programme that looks at community empowerment, at-risk communities, communities that are considered depressed and to find innovative solutions,” Dr Ali shared.
He said this can be done through partnership with the Private Sector and strategic investments by Government. According to the President, interacting with people brings a stronger understanding of their needs and what should be done to provide relief. It also bridges the gap between the people and the incumbent Government.
“People must be able to see the Government. They must be able to feel the Government. They must be able to have the comfort, knowing that the Government is ready to listen to their problems and to associate with their problems. When you come out, interact with people and understand the ground, it gives you a more superior understanding of the problem itself.”
For the community of Tiger Bay, youths were assured that they would be trained in a trade and given opportunities to work. Creating a livelihood will ensure that their conditions improve.
The President has committed to rolling out such programmes across the country, whereby visits will be made to engage villagers. As it relates to housing, he mentioned the extensive programme which will support the 50,000 house lots project.
“You will be seeing the Government in every community interacting…We have a very elaborate housing programme – not only the 50,000 house lots but a programme to see how we can help poor people own their own homes also. We have to find ways in which financing can be provided. We have to have a revolving fund and we have to be able to help them in the initial phase,” he contended.
This week, the Housing Minister will make a visit to the Tiger Bay area along with a representative of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport – creating a broadened Government representation.

With an emergency budget slated for Tuesday, Dr Ali said they are seeking to have programmes and a proactive approach to addressing youth development. This is despite the fact that the former Granger-led Government left the country with over $20 billion in liabilities – which will take up a large chunk of the coffer’s money.