–CSO pay increase
–more jobs, duty-free ATVs
–24-hour electricity, new roads
–expanded transport among sweeping measures

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali has unveiled a comprehensive package of developmental measures aimed at transforming hinterland and riverine communities, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, infrastructure, and economic growth.

Speaking at a vibrant People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) public meeting in Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Saturday, President Ali announced a series of initiatives, including increased stipends for Community Service Officers (CSOs), tax waivers on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and boat engines, village-led road construction, expanded electricity and transport services, and new opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and banking.

Among the headline announcements was a pay hike for CSOs — young individuals from Indigenous and remote communities working under the government’s youth empowerment programme. Their stipends, which were previously raised from $30,000 to $40,000, will now see further increases. “Young people in Region One are rising with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic,” Dr Ali declared.

“We want our CSOs to graduate up to higher-paying jobs,” President Ali told the gathering, noting that the PPP/C government will continue to invest in training and opportunities.

He added: “Today, a young person from Region One has a brighter and better future, not because they are better than the elders, but because, for the first time, they have the opportunities you [the elders] never had before.”

To boost mobility and economic activity in remote regions, the president announced that ATVs and boat engines up to 150hp, will be exempted from taxes and duties for residents in these communities.

He also committed to constructing proper landing facilities for every riverfront village, thereby improving access and transportation.

In a push for community-driven development, Ali announced that concrete roads will be built in every village, with the locals being equipped and paid to do the construction work themselves.

“You will build your own roads yourself, so that the money remains in the community,” he emphasised.

Noting that the health of Region One residents is vital to the nation’s development, Dr. Ali announced that a state-of-the-art hospital will be built in the region and will be staffed by individuals from the local community.

“We are looking to train all the people that we will need to work in that hospital, from right in your community — the nurses, the dentists, the pharmacists, the doctors, the medical technicians — creating more than 1,000 new jobs in the healthcare sector in the coming years.”

Addressing long-standing concerns about energy access, President Ali said that every village will soon receive a 24-hour electricity supply.

Further, to ease transportation challenges, he revealed that the government has already paid for a second ferry to ply the Region One route, and within three months, a cargo boat will begin taking goods from Moruca to Charity, significantly boosting trade and movement.

“We know that transportation is an important part of your life,” President Ali noted.

He noted that there are also plans underway to reduce the cost of air travel within hinterland communities. The government also plans to co-invest with young people to develop tourism in Region One, providing support with marketing and visitor access.

“We are going to market this region for tourism. We are going to make it easier for people to come into this region. We are going to incentivise investment in this region, so that we can create jobs.”

Additionally, President Ali outlined plans for agro-processing hubs, cold storage facilities, and a new bottling plant to help coconut farmers package water for export, opening up new avenues for local agriculture. He said, “Many of you have gone back into coconut production; that is why we are going to invest in a bottling plant, so that your coconut can be sent to markets here and all the way to the Caribbean.”

Recognising the need for formal land ownership, the President announced a special land titling programme to address land issues in every community.

He also rolled out plans for a home improvement programme and pledged better banking services, including the installation of ATMs to serve the region’s financial needs.

“Your next PPP/C government will launch a special home improvement project for Region One, so that all of you can benefit. We believe in the family — that strong homes, good infrastructure, education, health, and recreational facilities all help in developing stronger families.”

According to him, the government is establishing study centres across the region to support the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship recipients, with dedicated buses assigned to each centre to transport students to and from their homes safely and conveniently.

President Ali emphasised that these initiatives reflect the PPP/C government’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in the hinterland and Indigenous communities.

“That is the future we are committing to you,” President Ali affirmed, highlighting the PPP/C’s proven track record of delivering for the people.