“The next five years are the most decisive in our history,” says President Ali
During the official swearing-in ceremony of his newly appointed Cabinet ministers, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivered a clear and powerful message to the nation, emphasising that the work ahead benefits all Guyanese.
In his presentation, which focused deeply on unity and national development for all Guyanese, the President underscored his administration’s commitment to serving every citizen, regardless of background or geographical location.
According to President Ali, the aim is to reach every home, every family, and every community through upliftment, prosperity, transformation, and an improved quality of life.
To achieve this, the President explained that he had engaged with the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) to discuss the various aspects that needed to be balanced.
Reflecting on the urgency and magnitude of the task, the necessity of hitting the ground running, the clarity of the vision, and the level of effort required, President Ali acknowledged his high expectations for the newly appointed Cabinet ministers, as well as the expectations of the Guyanese people.
One such expectation, he pointed out, is the demand for significant changes and a shift in the way government operates.
According to President Ali, “Let me say that the next five years are the most decisive in our history, and they must be results-driven, people-centred, and focused on efficient delivery of service.”
The new Cabinet today is put on notice that these are the measuring sticks. There will be continuous assessments, and there will be changes where such changes are necessary.
“Because the foundation of this new government is about results, people, efficiency, transparency, and relentless hard work,” he added.
It is within this context that continuity, stability, agility, and speed form the foundation through which the government, and Guyana as a whole, will move forward, the President added.
Moreover, reaffirming his commitment to unity, inclusion, and diversity, President Ali noted that the composition of the administration would reflect a balanced mix of men and women, all ethnic groups, young people, and experienced leaders from across Guyana.
“The government that we are building will be supported tremendously by technical expertise and skills,” the President said.
“We were fortunate to have a list of candidates who possess highly skilled and technically competent individuals.”
“We had many professionals who chose to come on our list of candidates and align themselves with the People’s Progressive Party Civic agenda, and these candidates will form the backbone of this government.”
President Ali further added that their services and technical expertise will form a key part of the driving force behind the administration’s efforts.
He also added that they will contribute to the human capital and assets that propel the transformation, effectiveness, and efficiency of the government.
Meanwhile, President Ali emphasised that each individual would play a critical role at varying levels, but all equal in effort, service, and responsibility as they work collectively to advance Guyana’s development.
According to him, the future being projected does not rest solely on the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, parliamentary secretaries, or advisers.
Instead, it depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders at every level of government who must be involved in the country’s ongoing process of transformation.
He emphasised that Guyana’s international representation, global positioning, and national security aspirations are all critical pillars in the journey ahead.
Furthermore, President Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public service, warning that anyone who views their roles as positions of power rather than responsibility to the country faces dismissal.
The President also made it clear that the PPP/C government is grounded in the principles of service, humility, and accountability.
He stressed that there is no room for personal egos within the administration and that leadership must reflect a deep sense of duty to the people.
Additionally, President Ali outlined his vision for national development, highlighting the importance of building a strong and agile country.
He also explained that central to this vision is the development of human capital, driven by knowledge, science, innovation, and technology.
According to him, a service-oriented approach must remain at the heart of government operations, with a focus on efficiency, responsiveness, and long-term impact.
President Ali also reminded that his government has already begun this journey, stressing that every second and every minute must be made to count in favour of the people and the country.
He stated that this commitment to meaningful, results-driven service will be the standard by which ministerial performance is measured.
President Ali said, “Together with myself, the Prime Minister (Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips), and the Vice President (Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo), the rest of the Cabinet, the advisers, and technical people who will form part of this team, including our members of parliament, we intend to deliver to the people of this country upon all the commitments and promises we would have made.”
The appointments to Cabinet were not made lightly. Great consideration was given to every portfolio, what we want to achieve, and the speed at which we want to deliver these results.
President Ali explained that the selection of Cabinet members was not driven by competition but by the principle of complementarity.
The focus, he explained, was on building a cohesive team with diverse skill sets and shared values, individuals capable of working together to deliver meaningful change and national transformation.
“The choices were never about competition; they were about complementarity,” he said.
“How do we complement each other? How do we build a team? What qualities do we want in that team? How do we build partnerships and assemble a mix of skills that will drive the change we want to achieve?”
The President underscored that cohesion is not a luxury but a necessity in governance, especially in an era marked by rapid development and shifting global dynamics.
He also warned that the work of government must not be hindered by division, delay, or dissonance.
“The people of Guyana deserve leadership that is steady and unified, leadership that places service above self, and one that turns policy into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens,” he affirmed.
“Our transformative programme for the next five years is ambitious, demands urgency, but it also demands accountability.”
President Ali also outlined several key priorities for his administration, stating that they are tasked with building infrastructure to connect the regions, modernising the institutions that safeguard democracy, reforming systems to improve healthcare and education, and diversifying the economy to secure long-term prosperity for future generations.
He explained that these are not ordinary tasks, but rather the heavy burdens of governance, responsibilities that demand dedication, vision, and capable leadership.
To meet these challenges, the President said that he has assembled a team he believes is both effective and committed to the agenda, describing them as “men and women of action, persons ready to deliver to our people.”
Finally, President Ali stated that the success of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is the culmination of relentless hard work, steadfast commitment, and the collective efforts of not only government officials but also ordinary Guyanese citizens who have embraced the party’s vision and contributed meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
According to him, it is the people who embraced the party’s vision, placed their trust in its leadership, and worked tirelessly to help shape the future of Guyana, ensuring that together, as one nation, they will move forward and realise shared national goals.
“I want all of them to know that while tonight is a representation of one aspect of government, their work is the heartbeat, the foundation, and the strength upon which we stand,” he said.
He added that the people will continue to be a part of this journey of transformation and will remain the foundation of the progress that lies ahead.
