Dear Editor,
Since becoming President in 2020 and again in 2025, His Excellency, Dr. Irfaan Ali has made it clear to all that he will be the president for all the people of Guyana and not only those who voted for him. Over the years, he has kept his word by visiting several communities across the country and has received a warm welcome and overwhelming support from all. The truth is President Ali is a people’s person who is loved by almost everyone. However, his most recent visit to the Tiger Bay community proved that actions speak louder than words or speeches. As part of the “One Guyana” initiative, President Dr. Ali along with several members of the cabinet and Heads of Departments visited one of the most depressed areas in the country – Tiger Bay – where he outlined a plan for major urban renewal. Located in the Kingston area, Tiger Bay is home to a resilient, spirited and vibrant population, many of whom have been the foundation of Georgetown civilisation, culture and heritage.
While strolling the streets of Tiger Bay, His Excellency bonded with families, small business owners, elders and youth. He told them that part of his urban renewal plan is to build a basketball facility, especially for the youth, restore the two historic buildings in the area, expand support services for children and mothers, and help property owners upgrade their homes, among other things. President Dr. Ali’s Tiger Bay visit reinforced his hands on and people first approach to good governance aimed at uplifting everyone in every community and provide opportunities for all to improve their living standards.
The president listened keenly to the complaints of the residents and addressed some if not all of their major concerns ranging from access to education, to improving drainage, to skills training, micro- and small-business support, and ways to engage young people through sports and after-school activities. He cautioned them to be patient because some of their concerns might take time to achieve, but they will be attained. Many community members, including the elderly were encouraged by President Dr. Ali’s visit, his emphasis to be transparent and his promise of follow-up visits to measure progress and to make sure that the residents are satisfied.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that both the solutions derived, and the lessons learned from his visit to Tiger Bay will be a model for similar development efforts across Georgetown and throughout the country. His visit to Tiger Bay ushered in a new chapter for the residents of the community as he invited them to come together and “break bread” as a gesture to celebrate unity and symbolise the spirit of togetherness that marked the occasion. He personally took part in preparing a meal for them.
As part of his Rescue Georgetown Plan aimed at beautification of the city, President Dr. Ali has invested on a $350 million project that is currently underway to clear overgrown vegetation at the Le Repentir Cemetery, According to His Excellency, the initiative forms part of the government’s national beautification and enhancement drive to renovate, restore, and modernise cemeteries and other areas across the country. The Rescue Georgetown Plan developed by President Dr. Ali is an ambitious under-taking intended to transform the capital city into a beautiful and natural Garden City. It is a good initiative that will create jobs, improve the lives of the people and make communities safer and more secure, It is fully supported by all citizens and President Ali must be commended for it.