– opened with strong turnout, high intensity engagements

THE first day of the government’s two-day outreach in Region Six drew a strong public response, as President Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet fanned out across communities to address residents’ concerns, assess local conditions, and advance development priorities.

The initiative, which combines town-hall style meetings, field visits, and on-the-spot problem-solving, is part of the administration’s ongoing push for direct, people-centred governance.
In a public update, President Ali described the opening day as a “resounding success,” crediting the high turnout and extended consultations that stretched late into the night and into Saturday morning. Ministers reported spending long hours meeting residents, visiting infrastructure sites, touring schools, and walking through several communities.
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, said the outreach reflected the Cabinet’s commitment to hands-on governance. “Here in Berbice, the president is up, and we have no choice but to be up with him, supporting the work of the people,” he said.
Public Works Minister within the Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj, said the level of engagement achieved in a single day was “remarkable,” noting strong co-operation from residents. Other ministers echoed similar sentiments, describing the outreach as an important mechanism for shaping policy based on firsthand feedback.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, said the Cabinet addressed a wide range of issues raised during the day. “Morning and midnight is nothing new to this Cabinet,” he said, pointing to ongoing efforts to resolve challenges identified during the visits.
Ministers also conducted field inspections. Labour and Manpower Planning Minister, Keoma Griffith, said the team visited farms and work sites to better understand local needs. “We were able to see, meet, feel, touch, and hear from the people,” he noted.
Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Pauline Sukhai, described the reception from residents as largely positive after community walkabouts, including a visit to Whim Village. Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, added that informal settings allowed for more candid discussions on infrastructure and public service concerns.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said the team’s willingness to work into the early morning reflected the administration’s drive. “We’ve pledged to work night and day to deliver the promises made to the people,” he said.
Several ministers praised President Ali’s leadership and the Cabinet’s unified approach. Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues said community interactions were “phenomenal,” while Housing Minister Collin Croal described the atmosphere as “energetic” and productive.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips labelled the outreach “a policy-making and problem-solving session” aimed at improving livelihoods. Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Education Minister Sonia Parag also emphasised that late-night strategy sessions were routine parts of their work.
Youth and community engagements formed a significant part of the schedule. Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, noted that informal interactions — including a community cricket game — helped build trust. Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said such activities allowed the Cabinet to connect with young people while planning social interventions.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, said the day’s activities reaffirmed the government’s commitment to on-the-ground governance. “We got the opportunity to connect with the people here in Region 6,” he said.
The two-day outreach concluded on Saturday, with further meetings and community assessments planned in other regions as the government seeks to address local concerns and strengthen its direct engagement with residents.