‘We’re not giving handouts, people are entitled to service’ – President tells Lindeners

President Dr. Irfaan Ali went to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) on Friday to oversee the contract signing of the new US$35 million Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge but he also sought to highlight his government’s track record in the region.

The President easily switched between humour and quoting Bible verses during his address before the contract was signed between the government and the China Railway Construction Corporation.

At first, he spoke about the need for national unity and called on more people to support his ‘One Guyana’ agenda. At times, he spoke directly to three APNU+AFC opposition officials seated in the front row of the audience: Parliamentarians Jermaine Figueira and Devon Sears, and Regional Chairman Deron Adams.

He encouraged them to join his government as it seeks to herald in a new phase of development for Guyana.

But then he got serious while defending his government’s track record in a community and region that has not majorly voted in support of his party, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

“You know what annoys me and upsets me the most? When people try to insult you, the people in the region, by telling you that you’re reaching for handouts and you’re reaching for bribery.

“Elections (are) two years from now. Don’t let people insult you by telling you that you are looking for handouts, this is your entitlement from a government that was elected to serve you,” President Ali said.

The Guyanese Head of State nevertheless listed some of the sectors with increased investments for Lindeners. Those ranged from housing to education and agriculture.

And he promised the gathering that such investments would continue, though he expressed hope that improved service would secure their support.