President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced a series of initiatives for Region One (Barima- Waini) that are expected to lower the cost of living and address poverty.
During a visit to Port Kaituma on Saturday, the President announced that the government will take further steps to reduce energy costs. This move will add to the 15 kilowatts of free electricity already provided to residents,
Additionally, effective August 1, 2025, electricity rates for consumers from the Port Kaituma Power and Light Inc. (PKPL) were reduced by 30 per cent. This is part of a $110 million subsidy already being implemented by the government.
President Ali also said the government has removed the toll at Four Miles, so that trucks, tractors and other vehicles travelling here can do so freely.
In his wide-ranging address to hundreds of residents, many of whom are supporters from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), President Ali also highlighted significant investments that will transform Port Kaituma. These include a new market, a new housing scheme, and a new wharf facility.
“Your next PPP/C government will invest in a wharf and cold storage facility,” the President said in response to complaints from farmers about spoiled produce.
PPP/C supporters in Port Kaituma, Region One (Photo: Office of the President/August 2, 2025)
President Ali further promised more accommodation for nurses and doctors to ensure better healthcare services are accessible throughout the region.
Emphasising the importance of local waterways, President Ali pledged a special initiative to clean and protect rivers and water sources, including the establishment of mechanisms to prevent pollution.
“To enhance water access and quality, the government will also invest in microwater treatment facilities,” the President said.
Meanwhile, focusing on the community of Baramita, the President acknowledged its unique challenges and announced plans to work directly with the church and other stakeholders. Baramita is a remote community plagued by several social issues, including rampant alcoholism and drug abuse.
Apart from a special literacy programme to uplift residents, he emphasised the need to protect residents, improve infrastructure, and accessibility for small miners and farmers.
“We have a poverty reduction strategy to directly address the challenges in Region One and Baramita,” President Ali said.
Additionally, the Head of State disclosed that the government is actively working to establish banking services in Region One to improve financial access and economic opportunity for residents.
And as part of the government’s broader vision for economic development, the President shared plans to make Region One and the Pomeroon, Region Two, the cocoa and coffee capital of the Caribbean.
Beyond this region, the President assured residents that the PPP/C has a plan for every community across Guyana. And he urged residents to embrace the development agenda by voting solidly for the PPP/C at the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.
“We don’t have an elections strategy, we have a development strategy,” he said.
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