LAST Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali rolled up his sleeves and left Georgetown for Karasabai, Region Nine, to help residents rebuild houses that were destroyed in a November 3 storm.
Later photographs surfaced of him actively participating in the rebuilding of one of the destroyed houses. Outfitted in safety gear and work gloves, President Ali was laying blocks.
If one did not know who he was, they would say he was a skilled mason completing a task on his work site.

That day, President Ali could have been at State House or his office tending to the affairs of the country, but he chose to travel to the South Pakaraima community to help those who were affected by an unfortunate tragedy.

This is not only commendable but it demonstrates the President’s love for the people of this country. It also confirms that no task is beneath him or too small for him to trade in his polished shoes and suit for work boots or his comfortable airconditioned office for sun and hard manual labour.

He did not stop there. There are heartwarming images with President Ali seated cross-legged on the grass with the children of Karasabai around him. They talked stories, sang songs and had dinner together.

The behaviour displayed in this village shows all of Guyana that President Ali is a different kind of leader.

Imbedded in his leadership style is a kind, generous disposition that commands respect and reflects humility, a strong character, wisdom and a vision-driven mindset.
Since taking office, he and his administration have held firm to a plan of bridging the divide between the hinterland and the coastland.

The coastland has everything: easier access to amenities, critical services and transportation. Those living in remote parts of the country such as Karasabai are not so fortunate. This administration aims to ensure that those in hinterland communities are not deprived of a good, modern life and do not feel forgotten.

While residents of Karasabai praised the government for the help given, it was Regional Executive Officer Karl Singh who pointed out that President Ali was making history.
“This is basically history, because the President is here. It means a lot to our Amerindian people and this will definitely go a very, very far way,” he said.

No President has gone the extra mile like President Ali has. He continues to give his all as he strives to give every Guyanese a better life. He spontaneously visits project sites and listens to the concerns of citizens from all walks of life, taking immediate action or making commitments to bring relief within the shortest possible time.

He is a man of his word, a man of action and a man of passion whose hallmark is serving the public to the best of his ability. He is resolute in realising the visons and dreams of this nation and continuously displays warmth, patience and persistence as he does so.