–President Ali says, points to over $7B investment made by PPP/C gov’t to revive the island

IN a recent address to the residents of Leguan Island, President Dr. Irfaan Ali went on a diatribe against the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration, accusing them of leaving the island to fend for itself during their time in office.

He contrasted their neglectful approach with his government’s significant investments in the island, particularly in its agricultural potential and crucial infrastructure, such as sea defence and roads.

Speaking candidly to a gathering of Leguan residents, President Ali reflected on the state of the island before his government assumed office, describing the situation as dire. He said that the previous administration had all the resources but abandoned Leguan, failing to recognise its value or invest in the well-being of its residents. According to the President, this neglect left the island in a vulnerable state, particularly the deteriorating sea defence.

“It is not long ago in our history that this island was left…where investment was completely halted because the thinking of the government then was that the island and the population were not worth investing in,” he said, recalling the approach of the previous government. “So, the sea could eventually take the island. That is not a fairy tale story; that is a reality.”

President Ali emphasised that the neglect of Leguan’s sea defence was symptomatic of a broader disinterest in the island’s fate, particularly in its agricultural potential.
The APNU+AFC administration, he argued, failed to understand the importance of the land and the livelihoods tied to it.

“No investment because there was no thinking of what the soil means to us, what agriculture means to us. The island was left on its own for self-existence. Four years ago, you were struggling. The ‘Because We Care’ grant was taken away. The farms were left abandoned, the D and I (drainage and irrigation) system was completely overgrown,” he lamented.

In stark contrast to this period of neglect, President Ali underscored the transformative efforts his government has made since coming into power, highlighting the billions of dollars that have been invested in Leguan over the last four years.

He emphasised that these investments, amounting to $7 billion, were not just about infrastructure but about securing the island’s future and empowering its residents.
“Over the last four years alone, we have invested more than $7 billion in this island. For each one of the residents on this island, we have invested almost $4 million that has secured the island through sea defence, giving you a better quality of life through your roads, giving you better value for your lands and your homes, securing your agricultural output, creating an environment for (drainage and irrigation)—so that you can have greater production and yield,” President Ali announced, prompting applause from the audience.

As the government continues its efforts to modernise Guyana and bolster the economy, the Guyanese leader said that the government has a carefully articulated vision and mission for Leguan.
“When we say that we are bringing prosperity to every home, it is about this: Investments that create an equal system that helps in every aspect of life. There is much for us to be thankful for. There is much for us to celebrate.”

He concluded his address by reaffirming his government’s commitment to Leguan and its people. He stressed that the investments made over the past four years are just the beginning and that his administration will continue to support the island’s development in the years to come.