President Ali’s 1000-Man Initiative set to launch on Friday

President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s 1000-Man initiative under the theme ‘Men on Mission’ is expected to be launched on Friday, October 28, 2022 at the Base Camp Ayanganna Sports Ground, Georgetown.

President Ali is expected to deliver the feature address along with other motivational speakers drawn from various cross-sections of Guyanese society at the launching of the programme, a press statement from the Men On Mission initiative noted on Wednesday.

President Ali during a visit to Leguan on October 16, 2022 announced the establishment of the programme which he said aims to eradicate violence and other ills in communities all across the country.

A broad-based national committee, headed by Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess has been established to spearhead the programme, the press statement noted.

“Men of all ages are encouraged to come out, bring your son, your father, your brother, your cousins, and be a part of history, be a part of the change that is coming,” Brigadier Bess said on a Facebook Live after a committee meeting on Wednesday.

“This launch will feature performances by local male artists and an opportunity to hear the stories and encouragements from men just like you with the hope that it ignites within you the desire to reach your true potential,” he added.

Brigadier Bess noted that this is an opportunity to provide men with much-needed mentorship and guidance in the building of a One Guyana and to create a better future for young Guyanese.

The committee also includes the Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken, as well as senior members of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force. Several members of government agencies and departments, and broad-based private sector representatives are also on the committee.

This project is meant to uplift the younger generation of men who face many societal ills, such as drug abuse, domestic violence, gang violence, and other violent crimes, the press statement noted.

This will be achieved by providing them with guidance and counselling, recreational and fitness activities, and creating economic empowerment through temporary employment schemes.

“The mission of the one thousand men is to work in every single community to eradicate hunger, to work in every single community to lift up those who are emotionally affected, socially affected,” President Ali said while announcing the programme in Leguan.

It is to change every society and bring positive living and positive life in every single community. It is to work against violence, it is to work in making men better in being good men, responsible men, responsible youths in our society,” he added.