“A nation cemented in unity” – President Ali promises
— inauguration ceremony held
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, August 8, 2020
At the inauguration ceremony this morning, held in his honour, His Excellency, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, committed to preserving Guyana’s democracy and working in the best interest of all Guyanese regardless of race, political affiliation, or social and economic standing.
A packed audience comprising Government Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Community and special invitees from sister CARICOM countries, including President of neighbouring Suriname, His Excellency, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, witnessed the inauguration of one of the youngest Heads of State in Guyana’s history.
President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency, Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his wife, First Lady, Her Excellency, Arya Ali
Dr Ali said he is the President for all the people of Guyana and will govern with affection, without discrimination and with every attention to fairness and equity.
“In my service to Guyana, I will not see a nation divided by ethnicity; I will see a nation cemented in unity. This land of Guyana is our common homeland; it is our common heritage. And every citizen within it, is equal and will be treated equally” he promised.
He called on all Guyanese at home and abroad to join to peacefully transition the country to a pathway of economic and social development.
“From this day forward, we must, each of us, become our brother’s and sister’s keeper, ensuring that in our journey to progress and prosperity, no one is left behind.”
His PPP/C Government, the President said, intends to fulfil the pledges made in the Manifesto on which it contested the 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Central to fulfilling those pledges will be the collaborative and consultative relationships with various stakeholders, including the private sector, which will see Guyana becoming a hub of economic activity.
He said that while Guyana is being built to give a better life to the current generation, the foundation is also being laid for generations to come. It is for this reason that he has appointed many young persons to form his Cabinet.
President Ali has come to office after more than five months of the political impasse that was buttressed by an electoral deadlock.
He recognised local supporters and stakeholder, those in the diaspora, CARICOM, and the international community for “staying alert” with the party during what he said were “dark days”.
“All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate,” he recalled.
President Ali was sworn in earlier this week following a declaration made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which concluded the General and Regional Elections held since March. This paved the way for the return of the PPP/C government which boasts a young, dynamic Cabinet.
His inauguration ceremony today, saw the review of the Honour Guard by the President and a 21-gun salute; prayers by the three main faiths – Muslim, Hindu and Christian; cultural dances by Indigenous, African and East Indian troupes as well as a moving performance of “Guyana” by local singer Jackie Jaxx.