President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has countered what he labels as a propagandistic narrative aimed at discrediting the government’s efforts to bring transformative benefits to Guyana and its citizens. During a live broadcast on Thursday evening, President Ali outlined the strategic model employed by the government to support both short and long-term development in the country.
Central to this model is the objective of generating sustainable wealth, with significant investments directed toward initiatives that contribute to the economic well-being of ordinary Guyanese. The president highlighted various measures, including financial assistance for dialysis patients, disability grants, and the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, all designed to alleviate financial burdens on citizens. Additionally, the removal of over 200 taxes, including Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential services like water and electricity, has been a key element in this approach.
President Ali pointed to infrastructure and housing investments as drivers of increased asset value, citing the development of the Diamond Housing Scheme as an example. He emphasized that the net present value of these properties had risen by 25 to 50 percent over the last three years, showcasing the positive impact of government policies on personal and household wealth.
The president acknowledged the role of an enabling environment in encouraging individuals to capitalize on increased wealth by investing in businesses or additional assets. He highlighted the significance of the Local Content Act, prioritizing Guyanese nationals and companies in the oil and gas sector, ensuring widespread access to opportunities in the industry.
President Ali underscored that the government’s purpose is to invest strategically, creating opportunities for the population to grow wealth. He emphasized that the policies in place were carefully formulated to target and foster opportunities for the benefit of the population.
Assuring a continuation of such investments, President Ali affirmed the government’s resilient and careful approach to financial management, aiming to bring about transformational benefits to Guyana’s social and economic landscape.