–President Ali assures residents, emphasises government’s commitment to investing in Guyanese regardless of where they live

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has assured residents of Wakenaam Island in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) that they will not be left behind, as he outlined a wide range of investments, policy initiatives and corrective measures aimed at improving services, infrastructure, livelihoods and quality of life on the island.
Addressing residents during a community meeting on Thursday, President Ali first expressed gratitude for their political support, saying, “First of all, allow me, on behalf of the leadership of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic, to express our gratitude for your support, for your love and your commitment in ensuring that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic government was returned to office with a resounding majority.”
He commended residents for remaining loyal to the party, adding, “I want to compliment you and thank you for staying the course for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.” The president noted that he would not repeat everything previously outlined in the party’s manifesto, but emphasised that the government’s focus remains firmly on people-centred development.
“You know that we are going to invest in you, the people,” President Ali said. He stressed that all Guyanese, regardless of where they live, must have access to quality services, leadership and opportunities. “We want to ensure that the people of our country, regardless if you live in Wakenaam, Leguan, wherever you live, you must have access to good quality service.”
He further stated that citizens must have “good quality community leadership,” “a safe and secure community,” “developmental opportunities,” and “access to healthcare.” According to the President, these are not privileges but entitlements for every Guyanese.
Focusing specifically on Wakenaam, President Ali assured residents, “Here in Wakenaam, I want to assure you that you will not be left behind by the Peoples Progressive Party Civic government.” He pointed to tangible development over the past five years, saying, “We have shown you in the last five years how much we love you. Not by words, but by investment in leadership, in bringing real, tangible development to your island and every community.”
He cited examples including scholarships, improved academic performance and increased graduation rates among children. He also addressed rising land values, explaining that “the increase in land prices did not happen by accident,” but was driven by government investment and renewed confidence in the island’s economy.
President Ali also highlighted improvements to service delivery across Region Three, with the opening of a Government Service Centre. He listed services including applications for birth, death and marriage certificates, passports, digital identification (ID) cards and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) services, as well as business and shop licences and renewals. “All of it will be delivered right at that Government Service Centre at the West Central Mall in Leonora,” he said.
Turning to economic empowerment, President Ali referenced measures announced previously to boost prosperity and living standards. He noted that development would not be based on grants alone. “The cash grants, as I said, will come and will be part of the 2026 budget, and that’s the first installment,” he stated.
He placed strong emphasis on opportunities for farmers and young people, announcing plans for co-investment and financing support. “You will now have a government ready to co-invest with you in your business ventures,” he said, including the creation of “a special development bank that will give you $3 million interest-free and collateral-free [loans].”
Using rice farming as an example, President Ali explained how farmers could pool resources to access machinery and services. He also revealed that a commercial bank had agreed to leverage the government financing. “They will lend up to $10 million at less than 3.5% interest rates,” he said, repeating, “Less than 3.5% interest rates.”
He described these initiatives as empowerment and transformation, noting that agricultural policy announcements had already prompted discussions aimed at reducing food costs. “That is how policies work. That is how strategic thinking works and operates,” he said.
Addressing concerns about project implementation, President Ali acknowledged shortcomings in delivery timelines. “I am not satisfied with the speed at which some of the projects are being completed,” he told residents, while committing to improvements from 2026.
He announced that a senior technician would be assigned to develop a master plan for completing the island’s main road and bridges. “That project that we started will be completed,” he assured. He further warned that underperforming contractors would face termination. “Where the contractors are not performing, those projects will be terminated.”
Drainage was also addressed, with President Ali stating that a comprehensive island drainage plan would be developed and publicly shared. “The island will see every drain, every trench, every canal, every secondary drain that must be completed. And will be completed,” he said.
In health care, the President said investments were ongoing, announcing, “By the end of January 2026, you will have at least one ambulance to service the island.” He also outlined plans for agricultural extension services supported by digital and AI-enabled systems within six months.
On energy, President Ali said the solar farm contractor had until the end of January 2026 to complete works, after which electricity costs would begin to decrease. He also spoke about improvements to ferry services, stating, “It is unacceptable that a schedule is not in place. The Transport and Harbours Department must publish a schedule for the ferry service for this island and ensure that that schedule is met.”
He reiterated the government’s approach to governance, stating, “This is not a government that hides from issues. We are a government that confronts and deals with issues because you know we have your back.”
Additional commitments included a landfill site, street lighting, a safe country camera system, and continued increases to pensions and worker thresholds. Dr Ali encouraged collective effort, urging farmers to form groups to expand livestock and other ventures.
Between 2020 and 2025, he said, more than 9,200 issues were raised with his office in Region Three, with over 8,000 resolved. “That team is here again today,” he told residents, inviting them to raise personal concerns directly with members of his Cabinet.
Concluding, the Guyanese leader reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Wakenaam, emphasising the strategy for fixing outstanding issues would be implemented “in the coming weeks.” He described this as the government’s commitment to building “a stronger island,” “a more prosperous island,” and “an island that puts people first.”