Dear Editor,
FIVE months of political turmoil by the opposition APNU+AFC government following the March 2, 2020 election, not only threatened to derail the democratic process, but also wreaked havoc on the nation, as it plunged the country into chaos, the economy into shambles, and left most people confused and upset.

The eyes of the Caribbean and the world were watching Guyana as everyone waited with bated breath to hear the results of the recounted votes, and whether the coalition government would accept the results and demit office.

Several political commentators have contended that the decision by the coalition government to leave office after the true results were announced, was due to the relentless pressure from several CARICOM states, and members of the international community, particularly the United States, Britain and the European Union.

Immediately after he was declared the winner of the March 2, election, Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the ninth President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on Sunday August 2, 2020.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency consoled the nation and called for peace as he pledged to conduct the affairs of the country in the interest of all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, status, or party affiliation.

He said there is only one future, and that future requires a united and strong Guyana, and that every Guyanese would play a part in building the country.

Upon taking office, President Ali faced many obstacles and challenges, including a nation divided not only along racial lines, but also among party lines; however, with support from Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Vice-President Bharat Jagdeo and the Cabinet, he rose to the occasion.

In an effort to heal the racial divide and unite the people, President Ali advanced the concept of “One Guyana,” which is indicative of his passion and dedication to put the country and its people first.

During this period, construction of new houses has ballooned, businesses have expanded, and unemployment has reduced to its lowest level in more than two decades, thus causing a major shortage of both skilled and unskilled labour in the country.

Today, Guyana has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a booming GDP of around 30 per cent, and its oil reserves have reached an all-time high of about 12 billion barrels.
Despite some natural and man-made disasters, Guyana has undoubtedly had an amazing three years under the leadership of President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice-President Bharat Jagdeo. Such rapid economic growth and development have placed Guyana on an upward economic path never seen or experienced before.

Regionally, President Ali has emerged as the strong leader in Latin America and the Caribbean, and has called for unity, the expansion of agricultural production, free trade, unrestricted migration; and, most of all, human development.

He has provided guidance to the leaders of CARICOM on several regional issues, including energy and food security, regional integration and co-operation and the reduction of the region’s huge food imports by US$5 billion by 2025.

Similarly, President Ali urged the leaders of Latin America to co-operate and to work together to develop the region and to make sure it remains a zone of peace.

On the international scene, President Ali’s influence has grown considerably, and has, for the first time in the country’s history, propelled Guyana to international status.

And as he proclaimed Guyana’s neutrality, he called for co-operation, an end to armed conflict, respect for international law, fair and balanced trade policies, the sharing of global wealth and technology and respect for the rights of all people to live in dignity in the pursuit of their prosperity and happiness,

Most of the leaders of the Caribbean, Latin America and the developed countries have commended President Ali for his strong and resolute leadership and dedication towards combating the effects of climate change, and promoting energy and food security, and agricultural development, all of which have existential economic, political, and social outcomes for all nations, especially those in the Global South.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and achievements both at home and abroad, the Government of India in 2023 conferred on President Ali the overseas Indian Award, the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

Also in 2023, the Government of Barbados bestowed on His Excellency the Order of Freedom of Barbados in recognition of his strong commitment to enhance regional co-operation and regional integration, and to foster deeper socio-economic partnerships particularly in relation to Food and Nutrition Security and for the upliftment of the people of the region. As Guyanese, are all proud of President Ali for doing a superb job.

Sincerely,
Dr. Asquith Rose