President Ali calls for political maturity
− at ceremonial opening of 12th Parliament
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali today made a call for leaders on both the Government and Opposition side of the National Assembly to exude political maturity and put the interest of Guyana and its people first.
Dr. Ali was at the time delivering his inaugural address since taking office, at the official opening of the 12th Parliament, which was held in the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.
The President said for too long the country has been held ransom by the ambitions of “partisan politics” noting that it was time to set “those imposters aside and embrace in their place, the virtuous cause of patriotic duty.”
“We are at a decisive time in our history, with a greater opportunity than previous parliaments to make our country a better place. This is the honour and challenge that time and events have endured.”
Although the main political opposition was absent from the arena, Dr. Ali nevertheless, cautioned that “the eyes of all the people of Guyana are upon us.”
This, he said, includes himself as President, the Ministers of Government and Members of the National Assembly from all political parties in the National Assembly.
He said the People of Guyana are waiting to see what the elected officials would do about their affairs.
“Will we serve their interest faithfully, every one of them regardless of their race or creed? Will we deliver the good governance and accountability each political party promised, will we strive to make their lives better, as we all promised to do?”
Dr Ali maintained that calls for political maturity should not be heeded by the Government representatives only, but by all who serve in the National Assembly as representatives of the people.
“The people of this nation elected the parties represented. They want us to be partners in serving the country, not adversaries. While there will be disagreements, this should not be done at the country’s expense. They put us all here, in the same ship of state. They expect us to navigate it, through calm seas and turbulent water alike, and to take them to a haven of progress, prosperity and peace. But to do so calls for political maturity, to put at all times the national interest and the people’s welfare above all else. The success of our nation depends on it. None of us should let our nation down.”
President Ali said his Government has chosen a path that celebrates the collective wisdom, strength and character of the Guyanese people. The very people, he said who stood in defence of democracy and sacrificed much to bring the country together.
“The people of Guyana expect us to not spend our time squabbling and bickering. They want us to find common ground on which we can build a nation in which they are safe and their children’s future are secured. I pledge myself to that task and I urge every representative of the National Assembly to join me in striving for its fulfilment.”
“There can be no task more fulfilling, no task more honourable, no task more noble. Let us together run with endurance the race God has set for us,” the President said. Members of the diplomatic corps, senior members of the judiciary and other officials also attended the ceremony.