Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, fresh from a resounding victory for a second term in office, was greeted warmly at a meet-and-greet on Sept. 23 on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
The Head-of-State delegation, which included First Lady Arya Ali, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, and Minister of Natural Resources Vikram Bharrat, was met with loud applause from a crowd of over two hundred compatriots gathered in the Banquet Hall of Russo on the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens.
The Consul General to New York, Ambassador Michael E. Brotherson, Diaspora Unit’s Fazal’ Joe’ Yussuff, and consulate staff were also present. NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, 19th Senate District, Judge Shahabuddeen A. Ally, and President of the Guyana American Heritage Foundation, LadyIra Lewis, were also present. Ossie Rogers served as emcee.
President Ali celebrated the spirit of unity, resilience, and renewal, which represents prosperity and a new era of transformation in Guyana. He said it is people-centered, built on the foundation of service, glued together by love, and forward-looking.
“It was perhaps one of the greatest and significant victories in the elections, but those who believe that the old story of division, disunity, hate, and race was the objective of the future were defeated thoroughly.
“We are One Guyana where all our people will shine, and our religious belief will grow, on a foundation of faith, unity, and purpose.“
“Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for your consistent support for our beloved nation, and for always helping, and keeping Guyana alive in your hearts, even while you’ve built lives in this great city of New York,“ he said, also thanking compatriots for supporting his candidacy, and the People’s Progressive Civic government. “Your confidence will not be taken lightly,” assured President Ali.”
“Today we had a series of meetings with some of the best nursing schools, top ten medical schools, and top 10 Medical Universities, and one of the best AI companies and data centers, ready to make that journey in establishing their footprint in Guyana, he said, adding that Northwell Health will continue working with the country’s medical personnel.
“I know how strongly you are connected to your homeland. Many of you left decades ago for greener pastures, for the sake of your children, for better opportunities, or to reunite with family who had already migrated.“
“You have built good lives here, you are settled, successful, and contributing to your communities. And while you may have planted roots in New York, or elsewhere, I know a large part of your heart still beats with a rhythm for Guyana. Thank you for never forgetting and staying connected.“
He assured that Guyana would be a world leader in climate change, food, and energy security, and among the best countries in innovation and entrepreneurship, driven by technological advancement, “like you’ve never seen before.”
He thanked those who joined the family, saying, “In these elections, they are united by one purpose: service to all of Guyana.“
“I extend that same appreciation to those who did not support me, because you too have a right to choose, and my government respects that right because of the foundation of democracy, he said, adding that Guyana should never again let democracy be stolen, “it brings dictatorship and underdevelopment.”
“We must embrace the future; that is the essence of One Guyana, a new birthing, a spirit of opportunity, and one that benefits all Guyanese. ” Whether in the Rupununi, Berbice, or here in the diaspora, you are all part of One Guyana,“ said President Ali.
“I know many of you are looking with pride and joy in your heart to see the transformation of the new Guyana.”
During his lengthy speech, he lauded Guyanese pride, development, free education, and an online learning academy offering almost 40,000 scholarships.
The Head of State said the pilot who flew him to New York complimented him on his victory. The airman expressed that the region was proud of the unfolding Guyana.
“People in every corner of the world are seeing the new Guyana,” he added, referring to his encounter with President Donald Trump.
“As I walked towards President Trump, he looked at me and said, ‘You are from the great country, Guyana,” adding that “every single person in the room knows who we are.“
However, he noted, “the greatest injustice we can do to Guyana is to be negative and selfish in our speech and action.“
“We want to be among the best in tourism, but we can only ensure these things happen if we are the best citizens for our country. We have to first demonstrate to the world that we love who we are.”
“Come home and invest and see for yourself how you can build Guyana into the land of opportunities.
“The One Guyana bridge will be an opportunity between you and Guyana,“ he told compatriots, adding that the government is creating a one-stop shop for all government services, in every village, a spirit of Inclusion, “whether you live in Guyana or abroad, everyone is a part of our national family, that strengthens our collective pride, Unity and purpose, that positions us to have good standing on the world stage as a global leader.”
“We are restoring pride in being Guyanese. It’s important because it binds us together, giving us a shared sense of identity, belonging, and purpose,” said President Ali.
He promised affordable housing, a sports arena to train champions, and the empowerment of indigenous communities to reduce poverty.
“We are improving Transparency and accountability, and cutting out the red tape that frustrates citizens. The diaspora unit will be fully re-energized. We must thank Rosalinda Rasul for the work she has started and will build on,“ said President Ali.
