President Ali talks up youthful energy of new Gov’t; urges them to be transparent

President Dr Irfaan Ali Wednesday boasted of appointing a results-oriented team to head his new Government and make up his Cabinet.

“There is new youthful energy, there is also experience but there is freshness,” a smiling President Ali told the gathering at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center.

Dr Ali moved to put his Government in place by appointing 19 Ministers who he called on to ensure they are efficient and transparent in their dealings at all times.

“The multi-faceted nature of the skills that comprise the team is what Guyana needs to fulfil the aspirations of the people of this country,” he said.

Dr Ali made the appointments three days after he was sworn in as President and said he moved swiftly to the appointment of Ministers because there is urgent work to be done.

He made note of the realigned functions from the previous David Granger administration, explaining that it is intended to remove duplicity and make it easier for the population to do business with the Government.

Dr Ali also said his expectation is to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency and allow the Government to do its work in a cost-effective manner.

Among the more urgent issues for the Government, Dr Ali said, are constitutional reform, electoral reform, security sector reform and better management of the country’s natural resources and agricultural sector.

“There will be other important appointments,” he said that will support his Ministers in the realization of the vision.

“Congratulations! You’ve taken, like I did, an Oath to the people of this country and we expect nothing less but the fulfillment of that Oath,” the President urged.

He also called on the families of his Ministers to ensure they too provide a supportive role and brace themselves for the sacrifices to be made.