PRES. ALI SWORN-IN FOR 2nd TERM

Sep 08, 2025 News

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– says will be President for all Guyanese

– vows crackdown on social media mischief makers

– to tackle corruption in both public, private sectors

– promises to eradicate poverty

– promises more access to information

By Renay Sambach

Kaieteur News – Irfaan Ali was on Sunday morning sworn in for a second term promising to be a president for all Guyanese, even as he vowed to eradicate poverty, tackle corruption and go after social media mischief makers who spread misinformation.

Held at the State House in Georgetown, the swearing-in ceremony was attended by hundreds of supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Notably unlike his first term, President Ali did not swear in his prime minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday.

He indicated that in the coming days he will roll out his cabinet, which could include those who served in the last cabinet or new faces. The president said these persons will be chosen for their competence, character, and fidelity to the people of Guyana.  “I will also announce a wide range of other key appointments across the public sector to ensure that the entire system is led by people committed to delivering effective service to the Guyanese people,” he said.

In his address after taking the oath of office, Ali assured Guyanese that he will serve all Guyanese for the 2025 to 2030 period. Ali underscored that the achievements of the PPP’s agenda over the next five years will require bold decision-making, critical thinking, relentless effort, and a high degree of adaptability and agility to survive and prosper in an increasingly complex global environment.

National crusade against poverty

President Ali also underscored that Guyana, a nation blessed with oil, gold, bauxite, and other resources, should not be poor in living standards.  For his second term, Ali said that his administration will launch a national crusade against poverty. “Not just the visible poverty in our streets, but the structural roots and hidden burdens that keep families from rising. We will fight it, reduce it, and ultimately eradicate it,” President Ali said. According to Ali, the key to delivering on these commitments lies in building a highly efficient, service-oriented public service. He spoke about refashioning a public service that delivers more online services and one that places the citizen at the centre of every action. He also reiterated his promise to dismantle bottlenecks that frustrate citizens and modernise the systems.

Anti-corruption 

Notably, he also outlined how corruption undermines the efficiency, fairness, and credibility of public service.  “That is why we will strengthen our anti-corruption efforts by establishing a dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit, tasked with excising this cancer from our institutions and holding public officials to the highest standards of integrity. Every official will be required to account for their personal assets, and anyone who cannot do so will face the full force of the law. We will pursue both the corrupted and the corrupters, leaving no room for impunity,” he announced.

Further, President Ali also noted that his administration does not have a system of lobbying, cautioning that any person presenting themselves as lobbyists or peddling access to anyone in government is misrepresenting themselves and misleading others. He disclosed that a special mechanism will be set up to deal with such individuals.

“At the same time, we recognise and respect the essential watchdog role of the media, and we will ensure greater sharing of information by instituting mechanisms in every ministry and department that provide the facts in a timely way,” Ali further noted.

President Ali noted that his administration will hold those tasked with the dissemination of information accountable for their actions. “They must be held accountable,” he said. Further, he noted that Guyana can become a rising frontier. He touted Guyana as a land of prosperity, justice, dignity, and hope for every single citizen. “The measure of this mandate will be simple, how far the least served can rise, and how widely opportunity is shared. Let no child doubt it in One Guyana, your name, your village, your faith, your family’s history will never limit your horizon. The future is yours to claim. Seize it and soar,” Ali said.

Invest in people

He assured that his government will invest in people and expand scholarships, skills, and partnership with the University of Guyana (UG) and regional institutions. Ali disclosed that within the next six weeks, his administration will establish 200 medical and engineering seats in Regions Two, Three, Six, and Nine. This, he said, will make it possible for persons to equip themselves with skills in these areas without having to leave their homes or regions.

“These skills are in high demand, and we’re going to ensure that Regions 9, 2, 3, and 6, in six weeks, will be in a position to deliver education in every field of the College of Medicine and the University of Guyana, Faculty of Engineering,” he stated.

Deepen economic ties

Further, on regional and international partnerships, Ali said his government will continue to deepen economic ties with neighbouring countries through expanded trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. He also underscored Guyana’s commitment to advancing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy, with full free movement, mutual recognition of skills and qualifications.

“We will champion regional energy security and competitiveness, leveraging Guyana’s resources and know-how, partnering with our neighbours to lower cost, expand manufacturing and build resilient, cleaner energy systems that power jobs and industry across the Caribbean,” he added.

Ali said too that food security efforts will also be accelerated to cut the region’s import bill and ensure Caribbean tables are supplied by Caribbean farms. He outlined plans to modernise agriculture and agro-processing, while opening new shipping and air links. Additionally, President Ali reaffirmed that his government will continue to defend Guyana’s sovereignty with quiet confidence in the law. “We seek peace with all our neighbours,” Ali said. He added that his administration is committed to engaging international partners in ways that safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty and advance the country’s interests. “We will strengthen cooperation where it brings tangible benefits to our people, while ensuring that our resources and opportunities are managed to secure prosperity for this and future generations,” he stated.

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