“We are a Govt for all the people of our country” – President Ali

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali remains adamant that only as a united front can the country move forward. Over the weekend, during a visit to several communities in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the President continued his push for unity in progression.
At a meeting in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the President spoke about plans for development and also communicated the need for social harmony.

A resident of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, chats with President Ali during his visit to the community over the weekend

“I want to bring the country together. You have a President who is willing to work with everyone,” the President is quoted by the Public Information and Press Services Unit as saying.
The Head of State told a gathering that he wanted to personally hear about their problems.
“…I have to lead by example too and I don’t want to send a message to Sophia. I want to come here so you know I am here with you.”
The President assured the residents that he would visit the community often.
Earlier in the day, the Head of State also told residents of Port Mourant, Region Six, that his objective is to help develop all of Guyana.

President Ali speaking with a resident in Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara)

“We are a Government for all the people of our country. We are a Government that will take development to every single part of this country. We are a Government that will support farmers as we support our nurses, our teachers. We are a Government that will support the sugar industry and the rice industry as we support the bauxite industry, as we support the services industries….”

Leguan major improvements
Meanwhile, during a meeting at Leguan, Region Three, on Sunday, President Ali assured residents that they will benefit from a wide range of programmes and projects before the end of the year, in critical areas including health care, education and infrastructure.
“My brothers and sisters, whether you are nurses, teachers, public servants, rice farmers, labourers, sea defence workers; whether you are a doctor or an army chief, whether you are a military officer, you are all equal in the eyes of your President and your Government, and you will be treated equally. Rest assured we are working every day and every night to bring benefits to your lives. That is our commitment to the people of this country,” President Ali said, as he addressed the residents.
The President pointed to several important projects which the Government has invested in making a reality; these include improving the supply of electricity to the island, and more importantly, the reduction in the cost of electricity.
He said, “We are working on improving the power supply now. However, before the end of year four, you can rest assured that your electricity bill will be cut by half under this Government. We will ensure that every community is equipped with street lights.
He noted too that there will also be improvements in the healthcare facility on the island, while he assured to address concerns over the working condition of the X-ray machine there.
In addition, the President announced that the Private Sector is also playing a key role in bolstering the capacity at the health facility on the island.
Meanwhile, the Head of State also said that $3.5 million has been allocated to the improvement of the post office and the facilities there which are used by pensioners.
In outlining the importance of fostering youth development, the President noted too that community grounds will be upgraded to the tune of $1.5 million. In addition, efforts will be made to improve the facility at the computer lab on the island.
He also announced the rejuvenation of the business incubation initiative for small farmers, which will assist young people in going into business and in advancing their technical education.
“We can train young people to go into the new areas of development because there will be many new technical areas that will be opened up for development,” the President said.
The President assured that there will be many more opportunities for youth development, particularly through the Government’s scholarship programme.
He used the opportunity to remind the residents of the relief measures recently announced in the emergency budget including the removal of vat on electricity and water, on agrochemicals, equipment, and machinery, which are all vital relief measures, particularly in farming communities. At the same time, he pointed to the benefits of the $25,000 COVID-19 cash relief grant.