President Dr. Irfaan Ali says he has been engaging communities directly because he wants to hear the concerns and suggestions from residents. And he does not believe that he is bypassing the work of local government bodies.
The President, while engaging reporters at the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, explained that various community outreach efforts have been pursued because he is committed to meeting the direct needs of people- whatever those might be.
It is for this reason, he said, he has spent hours listening to residents’ concerns during those outreach activities. And Dr. Ali posited that many community improvement projects have stemmed from those engagements.
“We’re not reacting to what we want, we are reacting to what the people want. Not what an official wants,” Dr. Ali said.
Still, concerns were raised that the President is bypassing the work of local government organs by engaging with residents and not the elected councils and organs.
The Head of State, however, defended his actions, stating that he was only providing extra support to communities and local government bodies outside of what is usually given through subventions.
“A local democratic organ should be happy when the central government, outside of its normal support, is coming directly and providing support,” the Head of State told reporters.
Even as he defended his direct engagement with residents, the President emphasised that he continues to engage the elected bodies.
Referencing attempts by the government Monday night to remove persons vending along the roadway to the Georgetown Public Hospital, the President said “tons of letters” were written to the Mayor and City Council seeking their intervention to no avail.
These vendors hinder the free access to the hospital’s accident and emergency department and as such, prevent people accessing much-needed and often, life-saving care. However, Mayor Ubraj Narine and other APNU+AFC representatives joined with vendors in resisting the relocation.
The Head of State also said that representatives from Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) engage him daily and he responds to their needs.
