Put Guyana first

Sep 08, 2025 Editorial

---

Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali was sworn-in yesterday for a second term. His resounding re-election marks a defining moment in Guyana’s modern political journey. It is both a personal victory for the president as well as a collective test for a nation on the cusp of profound transformation. The people have entrusted Dr. Ali with another five years at the helm, and with that trust comes immense responsibility. As he settles into his second and final term, the expectations of the Guyanese people are clear: leadership that is more inclusive, governance that is more accountable, and results that speak to the needs of every citizen.

Guyana’s Parliament is now home to three opposition parties: the tried and tested, A Partnership for National Unity, that has now been reduced to the minority opposition; the new We Invest in Nationhood party led by US sanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed and the Forward Guyana Movement being led by Attorney, Amanza Walton-Deir.

This new configuration presents both challenges and opportunities. It signals a shifting political landscape, where dialogue and collaboration will be essential. President Ali must resist the temptation to govern with arrogance, given that his party has increased its majority in the House moving from 33 seats in the 12th Parliament to now 36 seats. He also must recognise that the elections campaign is over and the mudslinging, though not desirable at any juncture ought to be put away.

The fact that we now have three opposition parties in that will be represented in Parliament should not be seen as an inconvenience, but rather embraced as a moment to broaden the democratic conversation. The three opposition parties represent sizable segments of the Guyanese population. Their voices matter. Their concerns must be heard. A president who governs for all must find ways to build bridges across the parliamentary aisle, forging consensus where possible, and maintaining respect where differences remain.

At his inauguration, President Ali spoke forcefully about “killing” domestic violence. These were strong and welcome words. For too long, Guyana has struggled under the weight of a scourge that has seen scores of women brutally murdered at the hands of their partners. Families have been torn apart. Children have been left orphaned. Communities have been scarred. While rhetoric can inspire, what Guyanese now expect is action, clear, measurable, and decisive action. If President Ali succeeds in building systems of protection, justice, and education that substantially reduce domestic violence, his legacy will not just be political; it will be deeply human. This nation must become one where women and girls feel safe in their homes and in their communities.

Another urgent priority is poverty reduction. Despite Guyana’s newfound wealth from oil and gas, too many citizens continue to live in abject poverty. The disconnect between national revenue and household prosperity is widening, and this must not become the defining paradox of the oil era. President Ali has spoken of tackling poverty head-on, and Guyanese will be watching carefully to see that this is not merely aspirational. Social safety nets must be strengthened. Job creation must move beyond rhetoric to tangible opportunities in every region. Investment in healthcare, education, and housing must lift up the lives of those who still feel excluded from Guyana’s much-heralded transformation.

The oil sector itself remains a sore point of national frustration. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement with ExxonMobil continues to be regarded as lopsided, a deal that sells Guyana’s patrimony too cheaply. In his first term, President Ali made little progress in renegotiating or even compelling Exxon to revisit the terms of that agreement. This remains one of the biggest disappointments of his leadership. In his second term, he must summon the courage and the strategic will to do better. Contract management cannot be weak or timid. Guyanese are right to demand that their resources work for them, not merely for international corporations. A stronger, more transparent approach to oil governance is not optional it is essential.

President Ali’s second term is also his final one under the Constitution. This reality gives him both the freedom and the burden to act with boldness. He no longer has the distraction of seeking reelection. His legacy will be defined by what he accomplishes now. The stakes are high, but so too is the opportunity. He can be remembered as the president who managed oil wealth wisely, who reduced poverty meaningfully, who built an inclusive democracy, and who helped end domestic violence. Or he can be remembered as the president who allowed opportunity to slip away.

This newspaper congratulates President Ali on his re-election. But congratulations must also be accompanied by caution. Power, unchecked, has a way of disappointing. Our role as a free press will continue to be that of watchdog, vigilant, probing, and unafraid to hold both the president and his administration accountable. What all Guyanese want, regardless of political stripe, is for President Ali to succeed. His success will mean better lives for citizens, a stronger democracy, and a more hopeful future. To succeed, he must govern inclusively, with humility, and with courage. He must work with opposition parties, civil society, and the private sector. He must put Guyana first.

 

---

• Amanza Walton-Deir, Attorney, Azruddin Mohamed, businessman, Forward Guyana, Parliament

---