Sweeping COVID-19 relief intervention measures to be announced 

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, accompanied by Cabinet members and other Government officials, on Wednesday visited several communities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to engage with residents and provide much needed relief for those affected by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
During the discussions with the residents, President Ali assured that, before the end of the week, a wide range of interventions will be announced to bring relief to vulnerable communities across Guyana.
The President said that while the exercise was aimed at identifying the challenging issues, a high-level team would soon be appointed to provide redress in a more comprehensive manner.

“We will come up with a master list (of issues) plaguing the communities, which a taskforce will address. This activity will give us an idea of the magnitude of work your Government is expected to deliver on,” President Ali is quoted by the Office of the President’s Public Information and Press Services Unit as saying.
The President and his team visited several communities, including Silver Hill, Kairuni, Loo Creek, Tigerbone Banakari, Kuru Kuru College, and Swan, where he assured those gathered that his Government stands firm in ensuring that the promises made during the elections campaign would be fulfilled.
Several priority areas were identified for access to potable water, electricity, health services, creation of jobs, land allocation and access to education for children in vulnerable communities.
“We are pleased to be back here with you, and we want to work with you and reach out to all of you, including the young people, to be a part of the developmental agenda. We remember the promises that we made to you. We want to be able to understand your needs, and to work with you in finding long term solutions,” the Head of State said.
President Ali assured that officials will take the necessary action to ensure that Government meets the needs of the people. He also committed to ensuring that Education Minister Priya Manickchand is briefed on the critical issues affecting the communities’ children from accessing educational and learning materials, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President assured that interventions will be made to ensure the education system benefits all of Guyana’s children, and he
reiterated that no effort will be spared to address the issues plaguing the various communities, which are as a direct result of the bad policies of the previous Government.
President Ali also extended greetings on the occasion of Amerindian Heritage Month, and reminded residents of the recent strides made in recognition of the contributions of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Amerindian Heritage [Month], and to say that you can be proud that five talented Amerindians were sworn in as Members of the National Assembly to comprise the 12th Parliament, as well as the Deputy Speaker, Mr Lenox Shuman, who is also of Amerindian descent,” the President said.
A total of 1,100 hampers were provided to communities. The distribution exercise will continue today in the communities of Laluni, River’s View and St. Cuthbert’s Mission/ Pakuri .
On Monday, the President and his team also visited several communities in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) to bring much needed relief to residents enduring challenges due to the pandemic.