PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali led his cabinet MPs and advisers on a two-day outreach in Region Six last week. During the press conference that followed the outreach, the President reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue with the rapid development of the region.
From Corriverton to Lochebar (West Canje), residents turned out in their numbers to engage with the presidential entourage. A full gamut of issues was raised, discussed and in some instances resolved on the spot.
The two-day outreach in Berbice brings to mind observations made decades ago by Göran Hydén, a noted development scholar. In No Shortcut to Progress, Professor Hydén warned that it is impossible to develop economic policies or deliver government services to regions and communities away from the national capital without sustained and direct engagement.
Modern governance must go beyond the ‘economies of affection’ that characterise rural areas. This is done by developing information loops between citizens and policymakers. This way, policies are based on reliable data, and first-hand qualitative inputs from those who are ‘on the ground.’
President Ali was insistent that accountability and transparency are foundational dimensions of his administration. He challenged cabinet members, permanent secretaries, and heads of agencies to connect with Region Six communities in order that the ‘whole-of-government’ approach is a lived reality.
The outreach clearly indicated that the priorities of the region are rapidly changing. Instead of mere ‘bread & butter’ issues, residents are keen on getting better and faster government services, connectivity, accessing information of government contracts, improved recreational facilities, more green spaces, and the opportunities associated with the Orange Economy now being put in place by the current PPP/C administration. President Ali renewed his commitment to deliver on these concerns and to fulfil the commitments made in the PPP/C’s 2025 elections manifesto.
Indicative of the resolve to move forward, the President called a de-briefing and policy meeting after midnight on day one of the outreach. The meeting lasted well into the early hours of dawn. Only hours later, the entire entourage was back at work.