His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined his Government’s development agenda for Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) during a meeting at State House in New Amsterdam on Thursday.
The President reminded hundreds of residents of major infrastructure projects earmarked for the region, including the new Berbice River Bridge, a fourlane road, stadium, hospitals, housing schemes, malls, and hotels. He underscored that his Government is building a future that is peoplecentred, which will completely transform not only Region Six, but the entire country.
“We believe strongly that you, the people, are the foundation of our Government. You’re the centre of our Government, and you are the top of our Government, and our job is at every level to ensure we reach you, we hear you, and we serve you with dignity and pride.”
To ensure that people throughout the country are reached, the President explained that every month, for at least two days, his Government will carry Cabinet meetings and outreaches to different administrative regions. “We want performance indicators not only to be there on paper, but to be there to measure the performance of those who are paid to provide public service…”
Turning to social services, the President noted that his Government will soon announce measures to support persons in enhancing childcare and elderlycare facilities, creating empowerment and business opportunities for thousands. He said the Government will also support the building out of such facilities and introduce a subsidised programme so that parents will not have to pay the full rate. “The Government will intervene so the children will be taken care of in a safe environment, and instead of having one facility or two facilities in the region, we will have hundreds of facilities creating hundreds of jobs across the region.”
The President further announced plans for a special incentive system to assist parents of children living with disabilities, through either tax incentives or direct cash transfers. “So, you have a Government that is backing your love at a national scale, because we love every Guyanese, and we want the best for every Guyanese.”
On financial inclusion, he urged citizens to open bank accounts as Guyana advances toward digital payments, while reassuring residents that commercial banks will bring services directly into communities and markets to make access easier.
President Ali also announced the establishment of ‘One Guyana’Service Delivery Centres to provide immigration, pension, health, and other services under one roof. He assured immediate employment opportunities for qualified engineers, nurses, pharmacists, and heavyduty operators, while stressing accountability, system integrity, and community transformation as the foundation for lasting national progress.