RESIDENTS and farmers of Black Bush Polder are voicing strong support for President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), highlighting a series of transformative developments that have significantly improved their livelihoods since the party took office in August 2020.

From enhanced infrastructure and better access to government services, to increased agricultural support and job creation, Black Bush resident said that their once-overlooked farming community has seen a noticeable upliftment under the current administration. 

Speaking during a community engagement with Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain on Wednesday, many residents praised the President’s hands-on leadership style and his government’s commitment to rural development, saying it has brought real change to their lives.

“The changes are visible. We have better roads, more drainage and irrigation support, and we’re seeing real attention being given to the issues that matter to us,” one farmer remarked. 

Randy Mattadin, another farmer from the Lesbeholden area also spoke passionately about the improvements his community has witnessed under the current government.

“For the past five years, government is doing an excellent job throughout Black Bush. Any complaint that we give, and we call anybody, we get instant results,” Mattadin said, emphasising the responsiveness of officials and the swiftness with which concerns have been addressed.

He further added that the transformation in his immediate surroundings has strengthened his support for President Ali, making a heartfelt appeal on behalf of those around him.

“On behalf of me and my family and my people around this area we would love to give President Ali a second chance, my street was mud, now from my yard to the road concrete, all the drains them and thing up to date,” Mattadin shared, highlighting infrastructure upgrades that have enhanced quality of life in his neighborhood.

Turning his attention to the agricultural sector, Mattadin pointed out the significant level of assistance received from the Ministry of Agriculture, which he says has made a substantial difference for farmers across the region.

“During this five years we receive fertiliser, we receive grant, we receive a lot of things, we crop we just talk about it we get good results and the President don’t play with these things. Just you call on him [and] if he can’t come, he sends somebody and me personally I got to know what good for my family future to give the President a second term,” he explained.

Mattadin’s sentiments reflect a broader mood among many residents in Black Bush Polder who say the Ali administration has delivered on key promises, with particular attention on rural communities and agricultural development. As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, voices like his are becoming emblematic of the grassroots support President Ali continues to build across Guyana’s heartland.

Satesh Persaud, a ranger from Johanna, Black Bush Polder, explained that the developments that has happened in the area is monumental. “Government is doing a wonderful job, also help rice farmer, cash crop farmers, I want to say they deserve a second term because for the good thing Mr Ali doing.”

He continued, “I live here for 51 years. Now me see abbay get streets and abbay never get that because me know lil bai growing up going to school we got to hold we pants on we shoulder and go to school so I just want to say thank you Mr President for looking after Black Bush Polder.” 

Meanwhile, Lounita Sanichar, Chairwoman of the Black Bush Polder Neighbourhood Democratic Council also spoke about the developments currently taking place in the polders.

“Everywhere is development. Actually, we are making all the streets, the tractors even using the streets to get to the farms. So, it’s good for farmers too…everybody is supporting President Ali and he deserve a second chance and he will get a second term,” he said.