President Ali congratulates newly elected regional reps, urges cooperation for development

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has extended congratulations to the newly elected Regional Chairmen, Vice Chairpersons and Councillors across Guyana’s ten administrative regions, urging them to prioritise service, collaboration and good governance.

In a message released following the elections, President Ali emphasised that public office is a trust to be honoured rather than a prize to be enjoyed. He called on all council members to work together for the common good, setting aside partisan divisions to ensure the effective implementation of development plans and national priorities at the regional level.

“Our Regional Democratic Councils are an important tier of our system of governance. They are the instruments through which development is planned and implemented at the regional level, ensuring that national priorities are translated into tangible benefits for our citizens,” President Ali said.

The President highlighted the need for mutual respect and collaboration among council members, regardless of party affiliation, noting that healthy debate is welcome but must always serve the welfare of the people. He also stressed that leadership is defined by humility, empathy, integrity, and service, not power or prestige.

Regional Election Outcomes:

• Upper Takutu-Essequibo: Ms. Vania Albert has been elected as Regional Chairperson.
• Potaro-Siparuni: Ms. Tercellia John has been elected as Regional Chairwoman, with Ms. Samantha John serving as Vice Chairwoman.
• Cuyuni-Mazaruni: Mrs. June Shondelle J. Shurland-Gittens elected Regional Chairwoman; Mr. Alden Christopher Marslowe elected Regional Vice Chairman.
• East Berbice-Corentyne : Mr. Junior Basant elected Regional Chairman; Mr. Sahid Khan elected Regional Vice Chairman.
• Mahaica-Berbice: Mr. Ricardo Dwain Phillips elected Regional Chairman; Mr. Kleon Lindey elected Regional Vice Chairman.
• Demerara-Mahaica: Mr. Clemsford Belgrave elected Regional Chairman; Mr. Deoraj Nauth elected Regional Vice Chairman.
• Essequibo Islands-West Demerara: Mr. Sheik Mohamed Ishan Ayube re-elected Regional Chairman; Ms. Anjanie Narine elected Regional Vice Chairwoman.
• Pomeroon-Supenaam: Mr. Devin Mohan elected Regional Chairman; Mr. Humace Oodit elected Regional Vice Chairman.
• Barima-Waini: Mr. Brentnol Ashley re-elected Regional Chairman; Mr. Paul Pierre elected Regional Vice Chairman.

In Region 10, the election of a new Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Chairman ended in a tie. Dominique Blair of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) secured nine votes, equal to Mark Goring of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, after a cross-party voting alignment between the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), and APNU councillors.

President Ali concluded by urging all council members to be responsive to citizens’ needs, accountable in their actions, and united in their purpose, calling on them to serve as models of good governance and service.

“My best wishes are extended for a successful tenure to those elected,” he said.