–President Ali says, calls for unity and shared prosperity on 34th anniversary of historic October 5, 1992 elections
PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has called on Guyanese to protect the country’s democratic gains and build a more united society, as Guyana marks the 34th anniversary of the historic elections of October 5, 1992.
In a statement which was broadcasted live on Facebook on Sunday marking the anniversary, Dr. Ali said that elections restored the country’s democratic voice and opened a new chapter in its history. He noted that democracy must be sustained through continued public participation and a commitment to national unity.
“For democracy to become truly transformative, the ballot box must not be the end of our national conversation. It must be the beginning. The mission, as your President, is therefore not confined to driving a process of sustainable and inclusive prosperity. It is also, as I have proclaimed since my first day in office, is to help build a more united Guyana,” the Head of state said.
The President described “One Guyana” as a national commitment to ensure that the benefits of development reach citizens regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, class or location. He said children’s opportunities should be shaped by their talents, ambitions, and hard work, rather than their background.
Dr. Ali acknowledged the country’s history of deep ethnic and political divisions, stating that political disagreement should not turn citizens into national enemies. Unity, he said, does not require an end to political competition, but calls for agreement on fundamental principles, including respect for the Rule of Law, protection of democracy, and safeguarding Guyana’s territory.
“One Guyana means that our children should inherit a country in which their prospects are determined by their talents, ambitions, and the hard work of their own generation. It means recognizing that we can disagree politically without becoming enemies nationally. It means we can have different political loyalties and still share one national destiny,” he added.
He also highlighted the contrast between Guyana’s present economic growth and the economic difficulties of 1992. The President said that growth alone was not enough, and that national wealth must translate into better lives, greater opportunity, and a more secure future for all.
“It is not enough to grow; we must grow together,” he said, adding that every Guyanese should feel they have a place in the society being built. He called for prosperity to be accompanied by social justice and inclusion.
Dr Ali paid tribute to the political activists, trade unionists, religious leaders, civic organisations, farmers, fishermen, public servants, and others who, he said, helped keep the struggle for freedom alive. He urged citizens to honour their work by protecting democratic rights for future generations.
He warned that social media should not be allowed to inflame divisions, spread hate or undermine people’s ability to seek the truth. The strength of the country, he said, lies in its people and their collective will to shape and tell their own story.
Looking ahead, the President called for a Guyana in which democracy is secure, prosperity is shared and opportunity is accessible. He said the divisions of the past should not determine the possibilities available to future generations.
“Today, our task is to ensure that every Guyanese can see themselves in the future we are building. Let us therefore, on October 5th not merely by looking backward with gratitude, but by looking forward with courage,” the President said adding:
“Let us build a Guyana in which democracy is secure, prosperity is shared, opportunity is accessible, and national unity is a lived reality. Let us continue the unfinished work of those who came before us.”
