–says First Lady Arya Ali

By Jared Liddell

WITH a new government elected, the country has a new President in His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali and a new First Lady, in his wife, Arya Ali. The country’s new First Lady, an economist by profession who was previously attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), beamed with pride as she spoke on how ‘proud and privileged she feels to be Guyana’s new First Lady.

The First Lady, in her first message to the nation, aired on Newsroom, said that while this is a new post for her, she is still very determined to serve the people of Guyana with not only pride, but also to the best of her ability alongside her husband, President Ali, as they lead this nation for the next five years. She further stated that she intends to be a hands-on First Lady, and will work to help erase some of the social and cultural inequalities that are seen in the Guyanese society, as well as promote the celebration of the beauty and diversity of Guyana.
“You will see me in your towns, your villages and your homes, if you let me. I want to hear from you. I want to see you; I want us to talk about your dreams, no matter how big or small. And I want us to work together as individuals; as communities, and as a country. We can build this nation together, and love each other, as we do so,” stated the First Lady.
The First Lady grew up in Lusignan and Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, and is one of two children for her parents. She lost her father at the tender age of nine, and stated that although the family was struck with this devastation, her mother sacrificed as a single mother to ensure that she and her brother were always well taken care of.
The First Lady explained that she always knew the importance of education, and always strove and pushed herself to pursue higher education. She said that after completing school at Sacred Heart Primary and St. Joseph High School, she pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at the University of Guyana, and later a post-graduate diploma in Developmental Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at the University of the West Indies.

She encapsulated her and the President’s journey since first meeting in 2015, saying, “I met Irfaan in 2015, and I must say his charisma and charm won me over. Two years later we got married, and now have a son, Zayd, who will join us on this journey as we serve as your First Family.”

She stated that she intends for all Guyanese citizens to feel as though they are a part of the First Family, saying: “This is one Guyana; we are all in this together.” She added that the love and passion the people of Guyana have exhibited for the country is the same love and passion she intends to portray while her husband holds office.
“I know my husband is very determined to achieve the goals that he and his team have set for our nation, and I promise you that he will work very hard each and every day to secure a bright future for all of us, because all of us belong to this one Guyana. Irfaan will be a phenomenal leader, you can count on that,” she stated.
She said that during her time as First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, she intends to be very proactive, by fashioning her role and office to best represent her. In closing, Mrs. Ali said that she will, in the near future, disclose some of the projects on which she will be working.

PULL QUOTE: ‘You will see me in your towns, your villages and your homes, if you let me. I want to hear from you. I want to see you; I want us to talk about your dreams, no matter how big or small. And I want us to work together as individuals; as communities, and as a country’ – First Lady Arya Ali