President Ali reiterates calls for a united Guyana

…says outlook for 2022 exciting but challenging

Describing the outlook for 2022 as an exciting one, President Dr Irfaan Ali in his Christmas Day message urged all to unite under the “One Guyana” banner as Guyana recovers from a year of the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to President Ali, Guyanese must remain thankful even as they celebrate the holidays, in the fact that the country was still able to attract major foreign and local investments. He noted that these investments are likely to contribute to the creation of sustainable jobs, an expanding economy and a positive outlook for 2022.
“The outlook for 2022 is exciting but will not be without challenges as we continue to face a worsening global supply chain. The consequences of which will be continued rising prices for imported goods, supplies and transportation services.”
“This, coupled with climate change and the pandemic, would require robust and strategic policymaking to mitigate against the full consequences of the challenges, both social and economic, as I outlined before,” President Ali said.
According to President Ali, Guyana has seen countless initiatives from the Government, which has ensured the country could continue progressing even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As we celebrate these holidays, we must be aware of the countless initiatives that have contributed to a positive outlook for our country. Despite the ravages of the pandemic and its consequences on the global economy, we in Guyana can still be proud of a robust economy, positive growth, enhanced social services and greater benefits, in cash and kind, being passed down to the population. Indeed, many of these measures do not go unnoticed, and I have received positive reviews from international bodies,” he said.
The President also asked for reflection on those who lost their lives in 2021 due to COVID. He also used the opportunity to urge those still on the fence, to get vaccinated and in the process, support the fight against the virus.
“It is with great sadness that we reflect on all the lives we have lost in the pandemic. However, we must take strength and be hopeful in the countess human sacrifices and the sense of community the pandemic has generated… I ask each of us to do our part by getting vaccinated, taking the booster shots and wearing a mask when in public,” President Ali said.
“Once again, on behalf of the people of Guyana, I thank our bilateral and international partners, all of our frontline workers and members of the Government, the National COVID-19 Task Force and the Joint Services, for their selfless work in keeping our country safe. As your President, I will endeavour to do everything I can in supporting and implementing a balanced and strategic approach in the continued fight against this pandemic.”
The President explained that even with the challenges, the Christmas season instils in all, the lessons of hope over despair, sacrifices and faith in overcoming challenges. According to President Ali, the combination of faith, trust and hope is what will be needed to carry Guyana into the future.
“Each of us must resolve to be stronger, better, and more committed to individual, family, community, and country development. Let these holidays be reflective of the life we have lived versus what elements are missing in making it better, and more importantly, the commitment to fixing those elements.”
“It is with great love for all of you here in Guyana and the Diaspora, and those in our regional and international community of humanity, I wish all of you, on behalf of my family and I, happy holidays,” the President said.