JUST recently, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, announced that the government would be foregoing some $4.8B in revenues for the rest of the year in an effort to provide further relief to consumers during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This latest intervention of adjusting custom duties and excise taxes is intended to mitigate the impact of rising commodity prices as a result of steep increases in shipping costs of imported goods.

In announcing these new measures, the President was firm that the agencies must ensure that the deductions which will be derived are passed on to the consumers and not pocketed by unscrupulous importers. That is significant because it demonstrates that the President is aware of the actions of some who use such opportunities to take advantage of situations at the expense of the consumers. In addition, it’s demonstrative of his concerns that those impacted must benefit from measures implemented.

This is in keeping with his government’s thrust of directly engaging residents with regard to the provision of relief as once again evident through the current distribution of the “Because We Care” education grant by government ministers across the country. The same was very noticeable a few weeks ago for the distribution of relief packages during the flooding across the 10 administrative regions and for the COVID-19 cash grants.

Just this week, the Ministry of Housing, along with officials from the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CHPA) handed out compensation packages to a number of farmers at Cummings Lodge. This is to allow for developmental works in that area on lands previously used by the farmers. What must not be missed is the fact that the farmers did not have to travel to the ministry’s compound in Georgetown, but the officials went to them to provide the said packages.

This is the same for all the other interventions designed to provide relief to affected residents throughout the country. This direct engagement is characteristic of the government which has, time and again, demonstrated its commitment to improve the welfare of citizens and get firsthand assessment from them. This caring disposition is reflective of the compassion and down-to-earth nature of the President and his Cabinet and serves to instill confidence in the populace that their concerns will be addressed frontally.

This is a stark contrast to what obtained during the previous administration which, from all reports, took the citizenry for granted and became struck in offices. That did not go unnoticed as many voiced their concerns over being neglected. There are numerous reports of the uncaring nature of the APNU+AFC Government and their penchant for extravagance at the expense of the populace.

People in general want to know that the government is accessible and responds to their needs and concerns. They want to see the government working in their best interest and those taxpayers’ monies are spent in meaningful ways to improve lives and conditions. They want to know that in the face of adversity, the government can be depended upon.

That is only natural and President Ali continues to lead from the front in meeting those expectations of the Guyanese people. Even before taking the office of the Presidency, he demonstrated prudent leadership in the various capacities he served. The images of him leading the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) massive mask distribution exercise just prior to August 2, 2020, are reminders of that consistency in reaching out to the people both as a party and government.

With the first year of the PPP/C government just ended, even a casual review would show its caring nature and unwavering commitment to advance the lives of all Guyanese. That bodes well for the efforts to bring our people together and for the future of our country.