‘We are here for your development’ – Pres. Ali urges Buxtonians to ignore distractors
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during a visit to Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday, called on residents to focus on the community’s development and ignore distractions that threaten to derail progress.
Speaking directly to residents, the President highlighted the government’s commitment to working with communities to enhance opportunities and improve livelihoods.
“We are here focusing on your development. We are here to focus on your community,” President Ali declared during the engagement, which is part of a nationwide series to foster dialogue and address local concerns.
President Ali underscored the government’s strategy of engaging directly with communities to listen to their ideas and concerns. “These engagements are for one purpose, and that purpose is to listen to members of various communities across our country,” he said. “It is not only about building roads, hospitals, and schools; it is about how we can improve and expand opportunities all across the country.”
The President highlighted the need to build competitiveness within communities, focusing on productive and innovative solutions. “We want to engage you on how we can use this opportunity to enhance and open up opportunities, to expand the creativity within the community,” he said.
Acknowledging Buxton’s rich agricultural heritage, President Ali outlined plans to bolster the community’s farming sector through modern, innovative approaches.
“Farming and agriculture have changed rapidly across the world. It is about innovation […] utilising less land to get even more production,” he explained. The government, he revealed, is ready to work with farmers, women, and young people in Buxton to develop 25 acres of land using smart agricultural practices.
“We are ready to work with your community in making it one of the largest pig production areas. We want to expand that sector here in your community,” President Ali stated.
During his address, President Ali encouraged residents to remain united in their goals and to dismiss detractors seeking to disrupt progress. “In every society, there are distractors. Just leave the distractor alone,” he urged. “One distractor cannot distract the will of the collective of all of us. Never allow one distractor to destroy the collective will of the people.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to Buxton’s development, assuring residents that their priorities would guide the government’s agenda. “I am here today to talk to you about some of these opportunities… to listen to you and to hear from you what are some of your priorities,” he said.
The engagement concluded with President Ali reiterating his vision for a progressive and inclusive Guyana. “Anyone who is against that… they are not part of the progressive agenda of building a stronger Guyana today,” he stated.
Residents were encouraged to participate actively in discussions and collaborate with government representatives present, including members of the Ministry of Agriculture, to explore innovative and sustainable solutions for the community’s growth.
