President Ali unveils vision for transformative growth, sustainable development in Essequibo

UNDER the evening skies, President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivered a spirited address at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) rally in Anna Regina, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to Essequibo and unveiling ambitious development plans for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) before a mammoth crowd of supporters.

Addressing supporters from a platform surrounded by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, First Lady Arya Ali, and staunch supporters of the party, President Ali delivered a compelling message of growth and inclusion.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, accelerating infrastructure, health, education, housing, tourism, drainage and irrigation, and agricultural plans tailored to the needs of the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region.

“When you vote on September 1, you’re voting to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” Dr. Ali said, as the crowd erupted in screams of “yes” and waved the Guyana flag with pride.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT VISION

He emphasised that his government’s approach to development goes beyond short-term fixes or political promises. Instead, he outlined a long-term vision rooted in sustainability, opportunity, and generational impact.

“Development is not about now alone. It is about tomorrow… It is about five years from now.

“Development calls for ideas and policies and programmes that will ensure success — not for one day, or one season, or one year — but for a lifetime. And that is the development we are pursuing,” Dr. Ali noted, prompting resounding applause.

EDUCATION & HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

President Ali outlined a bold and inclusive vision for the future of Region Two, placing education and human capital development at the heart of his government’s agenda.

Acknowledging Essequibo’s strong academic performance in the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) examinations over the years, he announced transformative investments designed to provide the Region’s children with world-class opportunities without needing to leave their home.

“Over the last five years, more than 4,000 scholarships [were] given to your children of this region. Every single teacher who wants to be trained can be trained from right here in this region,” he said.

The president added, “Every person who wants to pursue a career in nursing can be and will be trained right here in your region. Your government will invest in the labs and have a medical school right here in Essequibo, so your children can be doctors right here.

“We will be investing in all of the facilities so that you can have a Faculty of Engineering right here in Essequibo, so your children can become engineers right here.” The faculty will be part of the University of Guyana.

SUPPORT FOR RICE FARMERS & AGRICULTURE

The Head of State reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to Essequibo’s rice farmers, emphasising a broad and forward-looking agricultural plan.

He reminded the crowd that when the rice industry was in trouble, it was the PPP/C that stepped up, not only by providing $300 more per bag when prices collapsed, but also by supplying seed paddy, fertiliser, and introducing crop insurance to protect farmers.

Dr. Ali detailed a comprehensive strategy focused on investing in drainage and irrigation systems, improving farm-to-market access roads, and reducing input costs.

He announced plans to build a fertiliser plant that farmers can co-invest in, establish a pricing stabilisation fund, and ensure timely payments at the end of each crop cycle.

Furthermore, the government will invest in opening new lands and supplying modern equipment and machinery to boost productivity and income for rice farmers.

“We want to increase your income from farming, reduce your cost, and make it more modernised, so you can farm in dignity, honour, and pride,” Dr Ali declared.

President Ali emphasised the revitalisation of key agricultural sectors and called on voters to support the regrowth and rebirth of the coffee and cocoa industries. He also pledged more support for the citrus industry.

He explained that with the new port facility at Charity, farmers will have better access to Caribbean markets for their produce. Dr. Ali noted that previously there were only one or two boat trips per day, and even with the increase to five trips daily, demand still exceeds supply.

He explained that this is why the government recently signed a contract for a new boat to better serve the people in Region Two.

The president announced that new cold storage and drying facilities will be established in the region to support and empower local farmers.

HOME OWNERSHIP

President Ali highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering both young people and hardworking families in the region through targeted support for housing and access to essential tools.

“Young people in this region, not only are we investing in education, not only are we investing in health, but we want you to own your own homes.”

“The next five years [will be] about giving you more incentives, more tax deductibles, more support and subsidy so you can build and own your own homes and support your family right here.”

TAX RELIEF

He also reiterated significant tax relief measures aimed at empowering hinterland and riverine communities. By removing taxes on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), all-wheel drive vehicles, and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower, as well as substantially reducing duties on four-door pickups, the government is making essential tools and transportation more accessible to support productive livelihoods.

“We are going to bring the duty down on four-door pickups substantially so that you can use that in your productive life,” he said.

MODERN DIALYSIS FACILITY

In its next term, the PPP/C government plans to expand healthcare services and deliver even greater relief to the people of Essequibo, President Ali said.

“When you vote on September 1, you’re not only voting for more support for dialysis patients, you’re voting for a modern dialysis facility to be built here in the region to support the people who need it,” he stated.

At present, dialysis patients already receive an annual cash grant of $600,000 under the PPP/C administration, but the president pointed out that the goal is to go beyond financial support and invest in critical healthcare infrastructure within the region.

SMALL BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SUPPORT

President Dr.  Ali outlined a robust plan to boost small businesses and strengthen financial support for families in the region.  He stated that the upcoming vote on September 1 is a chance for citizens to back initiatives that will provide greater financial assistance, promote co-investment opportunities, lower bank interest rates, and create a more efficient system for doing business with the government.

“When you vote on September 1st, you’re voting for prosperity,” President Ali told the roaring crowd. “You’re voting for stronger support for small businesses, for more money going directly to your families. You’re voting for co-investment opportunities, for lower interest rates at the bank, and for a better system to help you do business with the government.”

NO CONCERN

Dr. Ali emphasised how, compared to five years ago, the region has seen significant investment in public infrastructure, directly benefiting residents’ quality of life.

He drew a sharp contrast between the progress made under the PPP/C in the region and the record of the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government, which he said plunged the region into a deep sleep and showed no concern for the people of Essequibo.

He criticised the former coalition government for implementing a wide range of taxes that placed a heavy burden on families and reduced their standard of living. President Ali also highlighted the ongoing transformation across the region, pointing to the construction of key infrastructure, such as hotels, a new police station, fire station, government facilities, hospitals, improved road networks and the multi-purpose stadium now under construction.

VOTE PPP/C

As he urged supporters to cast their votes for the PPP/C, he reminded them that they are voting not just for development but for their honour and dignity.

He stated that a vote for the PPP/C ensures ongoing support, including a transportation grant for schoolchildren, increased pensions, increased stipends and expanded opportunities for Community Service Officers (CSOs), and the development of both the tourism sector and an industrial hub in Region Two, among other initiatives.

He added that the region will be designated as a special investment zone with preferential tax incentives to directly support investors and attract even more investment to the area.

In closing, he urged voters to reject the bribes offered by other political parties and support the PPP/C for long-term development and prosperity.

“So, for those who are still indecisive, for those who are still thinking about why you must vote and why you must support the PPP/C, for those who are still thinking… it is about your life. It’s about your empowerment. It’s about raising the quality of life for every single Guyanese. It is about protecting our country,” Dr. Ali affirmed.