FOR the second time this month, President Dr. Ifaan Ali will be giving a struggling family a new house.

Rominia Benedict, of Rotterdam Village, East Bank Berbice, Region Six, is the latest beneficiary of President Ali’s kindness and compassion. The pregnant mother of six will be moving into her new home any day now, and, hopefully, this will be a stepping stone for her to create a better life for herself and children.

The woman’s story was recently published in the media, and the president, being the man that he is, did not ignore her plight. He sprang into action and ensured that everything was in place to commence construction almost immediately. His intention is to have the family in their new home by Christmas morning.

President Ali, several weeks ago, fulfilled a promise he made to 85-year-old Meena Bafan, who was in dire need of a new house and a walkway leading to the building.

The president saw the deplorable conditions the pensioner was living in during an impromptu visit to Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. He made an on-the-spot decision to break down the dilapidated structure and construct a new building, free of cost.

Days after that visit, President Ali returned, with his gloves, hard hat and hammer, to assist the group of men who were working on the building. A week later, the keys were handed over to the elderly woman.

While President Ali may not be able to replicate this on-site assistance at Bloomfield, Rominia will no doubt be grateful for the President’s intervention.

President Ali, since taking office in August 2020, has publicly shown that he has a soft spot for the weak and vulnerable, and that he is prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that their living conditions are improved.

During his visits to communities, he has interacted with vulnerable youths, and listened to the cries and concerns of the impoverished. In most instances, he has acted swiftly, as he no doubt recognises that he has the potential and resources to improve their lives.

Almost on a daily basis, one can see evidence of the president’s determination to help his people. Clearly, many more will benefit in the coming years.

He has already announced that a massive programme to construct 150 houses for vulnerable Guyanese will unfold in 2023. These houses will be constructed throughout the country, with the support of his newly-launched ‘Men on Mission’ initiative.

He is also paying attention to the youths.

Recognising that employment is a cause for concern in the Leopold Street area, the president took evasive steps which will see many residents, particularly young men, receiving skills training.

While there may be programmes offered under the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, President Ali took note of their eagerness to work so that they can help their families and become productive citizens.

Many of them have already been offered jobs in the construction field. This approach is a step in the right direction, as it confirms that President Ali is a caring leader who clearly wants the best for every Guyanese, regardless of their economic status or political affiliation.

Fishermen, sugar workers, farmers and public servants cannot deny that their lives and standard of living have improved under President Ali’s leadership, and will improve even further in the coming months.

President Ali has been proactive in his leadership to ensure that he creates an environment where every citizen feels valued, appreciated and heard.

He is a very busy man, but that hasn’t stopped him from rolling up his sleeves to do some construction work, or to visit communities in various parts of the country or listen to children sing Christmas Carols.

He has demonstrated, time and time again, that he is a true leader who finds the time to care for others, and who treats others the way he expects to be treated.