The government is realigning its focus in Region Six, pivoting towards new priorities after significant investments in drainage and irrigation (D&I) which have now become the least pressing concern for residents. This shift was announced by President Irfaan Ali during a press conference held on Friday, attended by Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, and regional officials.
President Ali stated that the government’s monthly outreach model, employing an “all-of-government approach,” has revealed evolving priorities based on community feedback.
“In our 2020–2025 period, we committed to constant accountability to the people,” he said. “Today, drainage and irrigation is now the lowest-ranked priority in the region, not because the work is done, but because people are experiencing the results.”
He noted that when the PPP/C came to power in 2020, Region Six faced challenges, including heavy taxation and high rental charges for D&I, which had severely impacted the agricultural sector.
“We inherited a system that subjected our farmers and the productive sector to specific treatment that destroyed them,” he explained, referencing issues like VAT on agricultural machinery and reduced investment in critical services.
With substantial funding now directed towards D&I improvements, agriculture, education, and health, the President highlighted that housing has emerged as the primary concern for residents.
“So far, the number one priority is housing,” he confirmed. Following this are:
- Land and surveying issues
- Opportunities for small business ownership
- Local government and public works concerns
- Human services and public service improvements
- Education and health
- Remaining D&I requirements
Additionally, community sanitation, beautification, landfill management, marketplaces, and public spaces are being recognized as urgent issues.
“These priorities are aligned exactly with our manifesto,” President Ali emphasized, noting that the manifesto was developed through extensive community consultation.
The President spoke of impending “massive infrastructure, economic, and investment transformation” in the region, driven by key projects such as:
- The Corentyne River Bridge
- The new Demerara River Bridge
- Land links to Orealla and Siparuta
- Expanded health and education facilities
- New landfill sites and upgrades to markets
- Waterfront redevelopment
- A surge in private investments
“These are not standalone projects,” he elaborated. “They feed into long-term national growth and the transformation of this region.”
Welcoming newly elected regional leaders, President Ali underscored the importance of ongoing consultations intended to assess the impact of government initiatives and adapt to emerging community needs.
“Our goal is to ensure every Guyanese has direct access to government decision-making,” he stated, emphasizing a commitment to deepen connectivity with citizens during this term.
As outreach efforts continue, specifics on strategies to tackle identified priorities in housing, land access, small business support, public services, and infrastructure will be outlined.
“We are focusing heavily on Region Six today,” the President concluded, reaffirming the government’s dedication to working closely with the community to sustain progress and address new priorities effectively.
