With the weight of a nation’s hopes on his shoulders, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali wasted no time after taking the oath of office for a second term, declaring that the next five years will define Guyana’s destiny.

Addressing thousands gathered at State House, on Sunday, from regional leaders and foreign dignitaries to citizens eager for direction, Ali proclaimed, “It is only by standing as one people, united in purpose, that we can rise to meet the magnitude of what lies ahead.”
The Head of State laid out an ambitious roadmap for the nation’s future, calling for unity, resilience, and collective action to transform Guyana into a regional powerhouse.

Central to President Ali’s address was a vision for economic transformation.

He outlined plans to leverage Guyana’s abundant natural resources, including oil, gold, diamonds, and fertile agricultural lands, while ensuring environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

“Our vision is a Guyana as a rising frontier where oil fuels ambition, sugar and rice sustain, and gold and diamonds anchor prosperity,” he declared.

The President detailed a comprehensive development framework, promising seamless infrastructure between regions, first-class health and education services and the advancement of new urban centres such as Silica City.

He highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in driving productivity and economic diversification, with a focus on creating jobs and raising incomes.

Within the next six weeks, President Ali announced, planning and preparation will commence for several major infrastructure projects.
These include a new Berbice River Bridge, a bridge across the Corentyne River, a second gas-to-shore plant in Region 6, an economic zone in Berbice, a deep-water harbor, and the expansion of the Demerara Harbor.

“We must invest boldly in infrastructure that underpins growth, creates jobs, and unlocks opportunities for citizens,” he said.
On the social front, the President pledged to reduce taxes, raise disposable incomes, and continue direct cash grants to families.
He promised to cut electricity costs by half, maintain water tariffs, and shield citizens from unfair pricing.

Special attention will be given to empowering women, the elderly, and youth, with initiatives such as removing taxes on personal health products, expanding daycare facilities, and increasing scholarships and employment opportunities.

Education and healthcare were also prominent in the address. President Ali committed to establishing 200 new medical and engineering seats in key regions, expanding access to skills training, and delivering world-class health services.

“Every citizen’s health will be tracked, risk identified, and treatment provided as we roll out a first-class health system,” he said.
President Ali highlighted the need for efficient, transparent governance, vowing to strengthen anti-corruption efforts through a dedicated unit and strict asset accountability for public officials.

He also announced plans to modernize the public service, cut red tape, and deliver more online services to citizens.

Regionally, the President reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to Caribbean integration, promising to deepen ties within CARICOM, advance free movement, and champion regional energy security and food production.

He also highlighted the importance of engaging the Guyanese diaspora in national development.
President Ali called on all Guyanese to join in the journey of “continuity and transformation.”

He urged citizens to rise above division and work together to build a Guyana “not only rich in resources but bountiful in opportunities.”

Dr Ali expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, and supporters, and ended with a message of hope: “The future is ours to build, and together, we shall rise to meet it.”