Dear Editor,
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is truly a President that seeks to foster peace and goodwill among all people. He is a Humanist who truly believes in the idea of “One Guyana”. I was most impressed with his statement at the swearing-in ceremony of the Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the ten townships across Guyana at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, held this Monday (August 14, 2023).
Dr Ali charged the new leaders to “put their political affiliations aside and harmonize with the Administration’s aggressive developmental agenda.” He indicated that he offers a hand of friendship and support. That Central Government stands as a partner with them in the country’s development (<Guyana Times> August 8, 2023).
The Mayors and Deputy Mayors were elected at the Local Government Elections held in June. The Head of State indicated that Local Government is vital to ensuring that the dividends of development permeate through our towns, villages, and communities. The mandate of every council should be the improvement of community infrastructure, drainage, markets, daycare centres, waste disposal, better services, and community enhancement.
I do agree with the President’s statement when he indicated that: “There are no winners when communities and public assets are neglected or fall into decay (<Guyana Times>- August 8, 2023). He stressed that Town Councils are important components of the local authority, with the expectation of upholding good governance and enabling thriving communities.
This partnership between Government and Town Councils for upliftment and community development needs to be fostered. A Town/City or NDC cannot survive without the blessed hands of a positive President and Government. President Ali has already explained that his government, in the new era, will partner with town councils even if they did not support his Government. I find this leadership to be very motivational, excellent, and a touch of class. All of which deserve applause from our citizens.
I have known cases of Town Councils where saboteurs were used by disruptive elements of the townships to sabotage the good work of the Government done for the development of the towns. Here is an example: First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali’s work on the Kingston Seawall as an area of relaxation continues to be sabotaged. The destruction seems to be well orchestrated and also seems to have a political dimension to it. This seems to be so as the Government is not putting money into the hands of some persons, they continue to wantonly destroy.
Generally, I have no faith in the ability of the Town Council. However, Mr. Alfred Mentore, the newly elected Mayor of the City of Georgetown, has a personality of elegance, class, and charm. I personally hope he uses his endearing personality to work with the Government of Guyana for the development of the city. I must forewarn that destructive elements of the Opposition may try to prevent this harmonious partnership. I welcome Mr. Mentore.
At this forum, the President also stated: “There are sufficient job opportunities available for young people, but they need to be proactive and go after these prospects.” The Head of State further stated in the media that: “Qualified persons should sign up to be a part of the nursing and nursing aides training programmes being offered presently by the Government, and that these training would be offered free of cost now.” It is my view that the youths of today are very unstable. They have very serious issues of instability, and are undisciplined at the level of carpentry, construction, and skilled trades, even most matters. They are extremely undependable; when they draw their salaries, you do not see them back at work for two or three days.
Together, the Government of Guyana, Townships and NDCs, let us work with a President that we are blessed with, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to make Guyana the envy of the Caribbean. Let us make Georgetown the Gateway of Guyana; East, West, North, and South truly remarkable! We need to make the crossing from Georgetown to Vreed-en- Hoop one of ease and relaxation. We need to eliminate the stench of the gutters and the piles of garbage on the streets. Let us eliminate the cluttered vending on Regent Street and Water Street that makes Guyana look like a Shanty Town, and eliminate the congestion of the traffic on the city’s roads. Together we can do this!
Sincerely,
Hajji Dr Roshan Khan
