Pres Ali marks first year of second term with major infrastructure, health and economic gains
One year after being sworn in for a second term on September 7, 2025, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali points to a bridge and an operating table as proof his government’s oil wealth is reaching ordinary Guyanese.
In October 2025, weeks into the new term, President Ali commissioned the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, replacing the ageing Demerara Harbour Bridge and giving commuters uninterrupted 24-hour crossing for the first time.
“Oil revenues, wisely managed, are being converted into structures like this, projects that deliver benefits to every single Guyanese,” the president said at the commissioning.
In May, a Georgetown-based surgeon operated on a patient in India, roughly 20,000 kilometres away, using robotic telesurgery, a distance the government describes as a world first.
A further round of robotic procedures followed in June.
“From today, our surgeon is called Freedom 60,” President Ali said, explaining, “Whether you do your cardiac surgery or surgery in urology or gynaecology, surgeon Freedom 60 will be at your side. Don’t be afraid.”
Connectivity
Beyond the Demerara bridge, the administration has expanded hinterland and coastal links:
– The Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge is on track to open in October
– The expanded Aubrey Barker Road opened in April 2026, linking South Ruimveldt to the East Bank and East Coast corridors
“What is happening here on the Aubrey Barker Road is not an isolated project. It is a strategic project. It is not a local upgrade. It is part of a national upgrade of the road transport system,” the president said.
– Four hinterland airstrips were commissioned: Karasabai (Region Nine, $1.53 billion, a 3,000-foot concrete runway replacing an earthen strip that closed in bad weather), Paramakatoi in Region Eight, Aishalton (Region Nine, $920 million, commissioned January 2026), and Anna Regina/Mainstay (Region Two, $220 million, commissioned July 2026, aimed at boosting tourism and supporting Essequibo Coast agriculture)
– New municipal airports are planned for Regions Six and Nine
Economy
The government has set up the Guyana Development Bank to offer zero-interest, no-collateral financing to small and medium-sized businesses.
The bank’s operationalisation is backed by US$100 million from the $1.558 trillion budget presented in January, which prioritised infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, social protection and economic development.
Georgetown has been earmarked for a $2.8 billion Enhancement Programme covering markets, historic buildings and public spaces, alongside plans to redevelop the Georgetown Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Community and outreach
The Model Village Initiative, a priority for President Ali, was launched to transform rural and densely populated communities into modern, sustainable, and economically vibrant settlements.
A total of 23 villages across five admistrative regions were officially engaged and consulted by President Ali and his cabinet members.
President Ali also led five regional outreaches, in Regions Three, Four, Six, Seven and Ten, ensuring citizens are consulted on development initiatives tailored to their specific needs.
Sport and public spaces
Two new international-standard stadiums were commissioned: the Anna Regina Stadium in Region Two and the Bayroc International Stadium in Linden, Region Ten. The Guyana-China Friendship Park also opened during the year.
Looking ahead, the government has signaled that the administration’s focus will remain on advancing ongoing projects, strengthening public services and delivering the remaining commitments under the five-year development programme.
