Dear Editor,
After five years in office, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali should be congratulated for turning a new and dynamic page for Guyana and its citizens. The political, economic and social transformation in Guyana is due largely to his buoyancy, hope, faith and confidence in the people, and their unwavering support for his policies and the “One Guyana” initiative. The president pledged that in his second term, his administration will advance the economy and increase productivity and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with the intent to provide tangible financial relief to every household in the country.
Despite the fact that his election to office was marred by five months of intentional delay by the APNU coalition Government, after the votes were finally tabulated on August 2, 2020, history was made in Guyana, a page was turned, and a new chapter began with the swearing in of Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali as the first Muslim president. Dr Ali knew that being from a minority group, the task ahead was not going to be easy, but with adequate training, resilience, and poise, he was ready to make the sacrifice to solve the nation’s woes, unite and uplift the people, grow the economy, and move the country forward. An eternal optimist, President Dr Ali is a trustworthy and disciplined leader, a genuine and faithful son of the soil, a patriot, and a true champion of the people.
His Excellency, who is a strong believer in good governance, fairness, equality and transparency, has achieved more in his first term in office than many others have failed to achieve in a much longer period. He also believes that the people of Guyana deserve leaders who will serve their interests and not their own. His quiet resolve and his relentless effort to improve the lives of all Guyanese, especially those at the bottom of the economic ladder, and to make sure that no one is left behind and that all are treated fairly and equally sets him apart. He has inspired, influenced, and empowered others toward a shared vision, prioritising collective success over personal gain. Defined by his good character, integrity, charisma and action and not by position or power, the Head of State has fostered a cultivating and supportive environment in Guyana built on the people’s trust and togetherness.
Over the past five years, President Dr Irfaan Ali has done an excellent job as both a leader of small states, a serious voice in global development debates and a rising world leader, proudly representing Guyana at high-level forums across the region and around the world. On several occasions, he participated in high-level discussions at the United Nations General Assembly, climate change summits and trade forums with various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada and the European powers. The leader of the fastest-growing economy in the world, Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, has emerged as a significant and leading regional voice for the Caribbean, particularly during his tenure as Chairman of CARICOM, where he advocated for food security, unity and regional integration.
Under his leadership, Guyana has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing economy, driven by its vast oil discoveries, while also pushing aggressive policies on food security, climate change, energy transition, and global cooperation. His leadership role has elevated his profile in the Caribbean and Latin America and has earned him praise and prestigious awards for his visionary and decisive leadership. Dr Ali has received numerous commendations from many world leaders who recognise his enormous impact on Guyana’s rapid and vibrant transformation. In October 2025, His Excellency was recognised by Time Magazine – one of the world’s most esteemed and respected magazines – as being one among 100 rising and most influential leaders in the world. A few days ago, the Government of the State of Roraima in Brazil conferred its highest accolade, the Order of Merit Fort Sao Joaquim, upon His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali for his strong and brilliant leadership in strengthening economic ties between Guyana and the northern Brazilian state.
The commendations have boosted his popularity at home and reinforced his image as a leader who not only has the highest respect locally but also abroad. It strengthens his vision to build a modern Guyana that would be recognised globally and validates his work and position among a new generation of an elite group of world leaders and visionaries who could influence events and issues in future years. Globally, the recognition adds to President Ali’s appeal as a dynamic statesman from the Global South who has championed the cause of developing nations in climate finance and biodiversity protection and has navigated complex geopolitics in the Caribbean and Latin America. His advocacy on issues of climate change, equity and unity resonates beyond Guyana and the Caribbean, which could seriously translate into greater diplomatic, trade, and investment opportunities for Guyana and make it a better place to live.