Guyana: President Irfaan Ali meets UNGA President- Abdulla Shahid

Guyana: President Irfaan Ali met with the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid and his delegation today at State House.

The Head of State used the opportunity to congratulate Mr Shahid on his leadership and accomplishments, particularly with his involvement of youths in the work of the General Assembly.

The President also updated the visiting official on the recent establishment of the Youth Advisory Council in Guyana. This move, he explained is to allow for the involvement of youths in Guyana’s national development and to foster their involvement as “agents of change”. He noted too the efforts towards the inclusion of women and youth empowerment.

President Ali also spoke of Guyana’s national and regional food security drive, the Government’s integrated approach to development, and its focus on building out traditional and non-traditional sectors. In his remarks, the UNGA official lauded President Ali’s work in food security and his progressive vision for the country and its people. Following the brief discussion, President Ali presented the 76th Session of the UNGA President with a painting by talented Guyanese artist Dillon Craig.

Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of Government officials conducted an impromptu visit to Annandale North: Sand Reef and Marshon, where he interacted with residents.

President Ali provided an update on the infrastructural works that will be done to the community and the plans in place to move squatters who are living close to the sea defence. He explained that over 60 households have been regularised and given their titles in the community. However, over a dozen others cannot be given titles, due to the proximity of their homes to the sea defence.

As a result, the Government has offered alternative lots and homes, and the residents have all agreed to move within three months. The President also told the residents that work would soon start on rehabilitating their crossroads which will be done in collaboration with the community. He also explained that the community’s playground would be rehabilitated.

At the residents’ request, the President instructed the Guyana Police Force to set up a police outpost in a strategic area in the community to improve security.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Yeşim Oruç and the Director of Projects at the Office of the President Marcia Nadir-Sharma, were also at the meeting.