In a heartwarming display of goodwill, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali handed over a newly constructed home to 46-year-old James Hercules and his family on Christmas morning. The gesture is part of the government’s Men on Mission (MoM) program, aimed at uplifting families in need.
James Hercules, who lives with an orthopaedic impairment that significantly affects his mobility, has faced many challenges throughout his life, often relocating without a permanent home. After struggling for years and relying on family support, he reached out to President Ali for assistance.
During a simple yet emotional ceremony, Hercules expressed deep gratitude, stating, “I’m thankful very much for this home…and I give God all the praise and thanks.” He acknowledged the difficult circumstances that led him to apply, highlighting the guidance he received from a friend.
In his address, President Ali emphasized the importance of community support in fostering national growth. “Guyana can only truly grow and succeed if people help each other,” he stated, noting the broader impact of the MoM initiative. “Outside of the hundreds of families who have benefitted in a physical way…there are thousands who have benefitted under different circumstances.”
The president praised the thousands of volunteers involved in the MoM initiative, which has provided hope and joy to many families across the nation.
Looking Ahead: MoM’s 2026 Priorities
As part of the ceremony, President Ali outlined key priorities for the MoM program in 2026, focusing on improving sanitary facilities and ensuring access to clean water in homes. He also addressed social issues such as gambling and alcohol abuse, stressing the need for men to take an active role in resolving these challenges to ease the burden on families and communities.
In an effort to empower women, the president announced the launch of a new program geared towards backyard gardening and shade house activities, aiming to produce crops like pepper and celery. This initiative will include the establishment of prep kitchens to assist communities in preparing home-grown produce for local businesses, promoting sustainable small businesses and economic activity.
Since its inception, the MoM initiative has successfully constructed around 300 homes for families nationwide, transforming lives and fostering community solidarity.
The ceremonial handover was attended by notable officials, including Member of Parliament Suresh Singh, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Dr. Josh Kanhai, and MoM’s Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli, among others, all of whom contributed to the success of the program.
