Guyana: Prez Irfaan Ali visits East Bank of Demerara, speaks about ways to develop community

Georgetown, Guyana: President of the Republic of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, made an impromptu visit to Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara on the morning of February 26, where he engaged residents on how they can partner with the Government to advance the development of the community.

Among the issues addressed were drainage, infrastructure, youth empowerment, sport, and employment. The Head of State reiterated his Government’s commitment to engage directly with citizens to ensure they play a critical role in the growth of their communities.

During the meeting, President Ali was accompanied by Hugh Todd, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister; the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson; the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall and Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken.

Earlier, President Ali hosted a dinner on Friday night in honour of Lord Zac Goldsmith, State for Overseas Territories Minister, Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment of the UK. Lord Goldsmith, who is on an official visit to Guyana, was accompanied by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, along with other representatives of the Commission.

Post dinner, the President presented a painting by a renowned artist from Guyana, Dillon Craig, to the visiting dignitary. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; and the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat were also present at the event.

In addition to this, President Ali extended congratulations to the newly promoted GDF Officers during a meeting with the ranks and their families at the State House. He commended their “years of dedication, commitment and sacrifices” as the reasons for their new roles and responsibilities.

Thirty-six officers were promoted, including four to Substantive Colonel, 12 to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel and 20 to Substantive Major. The badging ceremony for the ranks was held this morning at Camp Ayanganna, while promotions were announced at the Republic Flag Raising Ceremony on February 22.

Several senior ranks of the Guyana Defence Force, including the Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Colonel Omar Khan, were also at State House.