After drainage push, President Ali unveils new priorities for Region Six

The government has begun pivoting to a fresh set of priorities in Region Six, after years of heavy investment in drainage and irrigation (D&I) that has now pushed the sector to the lowest-ranked concern for residents. This shift was confirmed by President Irfaan Ali during a Friday afternoon press conference in Region Six, where he was flanked by Cabinet members, Members of Parliament and regional officials.

Addressing the press, President Ali said the government’s outreach model, taking “the all-of-government approach” directly into every region each month, has offered a clear, data-driven picture of how priorities are evolving on the ground.

“In our 2020–2025 period, we committed to constant accountability to the people,” he said.  “These engagements emphasise the importance of the investments we have made. Today, drainage and irrigation is now the lowest-ranked priority in the region, not because the work is done, but because people are experiencing the results.”

The President reminded that when the PPP/C took office in 2020, Region Six’s productive sector had been crippled by heavy taxation, high D&I rental charges and a general neglect of the agricultural backbone of the region.

“We inherited a system that subjected our farmers and the productive sector to specific treatment that destroyed them,” he said, referencing VAT on agricultural machinery, reduced investments in health and education, and widespread regression.

Since then, billions have been channelled into D&I upgrades, agriculture support, health, education and government service delivery, investments that are now visibly reshaping the priority profile of Region Six.

With more young people empowered and eager to establish themselves, the President said housing has emerged as the leading concern for residents across the region.

“So far, the number one priority is housing,” he noted. This is followed by:

• Land and surveying issues
• Access to opportunities for small business ownership
• Local government and Public Works concerns
• Human Services and the wider Public Service
• Education and health
• Remaining D&I requirements

Residents are also rating community sanitation, beautification, landfill management, marketplaces and public spaces as increasingly urgent issues.

“These priorities are aligned exactly with our manifesto,” the President stressed. “And that is because the manifesto was developed bottom-up, with consultation and involvement from the people.”

President Ali said Region Six is on the brink of “massive infrastructure, economic and investment transformation,” driven by incoming developments such as:

• The Corentyne River Bridge
• The new Demerara River Bridge
• Land links to Orealla and Siparuta
• Expanded health and education facilities
• New landfill sites and market upgrades
• Waterfront redevelopment
• A surge of private investments

“These are not standalone projects,” he explained. “They feed into long-term national growth and the transformation of this region.”

The President welcomed the newly elected Regional Chairman, Vice Chairman and other key regional figures who will be leading the push to respond to these updated priorities.

He emphasised that the ongoing consultations, continuing through Friday night into Saturday, are intended to provide a full understanding of the impact government programmes are having, and what adjustments are needed to meet emerging needs.

President Ali reiterated that the administration’s aim is to ensure every Guyanese has direct access to government decision-making.

“We are intensifying our connectivity with the people in this second term,” he said. “Our goal is a common platform where every citizen can reach every level of government.”

As the outreach continues, the President said his team will outline specific strategies to confront the newly identified priorities in housing, land access, small business support, public services, and community infrastructure.

“We are focusing heavily on Region Six today,” the President added. “And we will continue working closely with the people to ensure the gains we’ve made are protected and that the next set of priorities are addressed head-on.”