President Irfaan Ali has told African-Guyanese that his government is committed to an inclusive future for all.
In a message to mark Emancipation Day yesterday, Ali said “I want to reassure our African-Guyanese brothers and sisters that my government is committed to an inclusive future for all. Whatever concerns or grievances, you can be certain of a receptive and responsive government”.
He added that no one is going to be left out of national development. “Outreaches have already begun in communities across our country so that the people can join us in working to bring solutions”, he said.
Last week, the Guyana Public Service Union, which represents civil servants, many of whom are Afro-Guyanese, complained that the government has not convened collective bargaining with it even though it has been in office for two years. It also said that many of its grievances have been ignored.
When asked about this on Sunday on the sidelines of a sod-turning event, the President said he intended to meet with the GPSU for talks on wages and other matters.
In his message to mark the day, Prime Minister Mark Phillips yesterday said in part: “Today, every Guyanese has the freedom and the opportunity to enjoy a range of options in education, employment and entrepreneurship that lead to self-development and the enjoyment of an enhanced quality of living. To my African-Guyanese brothers and sisters, I encourage you to capitalise on these opportunities as, together, we must work to build a bright and prosperous future for ourselves and our future generations, who will, in turn, continue on the positive trajectory of moulding and building our beautiful country”.
