President Ali vows cheaper power, poverty fight as he begins second term

President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second term on Sunday, vowing to cut the cost of living, expand social services, and modernise the public sector after his re-election in the September 1 polls.

Ali told an august gathering at his inauguration at State House that “electricity costs will be cut by half. Water tariffs will not increase. No new taxes will be imposed,” part of a broader pledge to shield citizens from rising expenses and boost local food production.

He said his government will raise pensions, expand healthcare access through mobile clinics and telemedicine, and provide more support for women and youth. New sports facilities, including a world-class indoor stadium and a cycling velodrome, are also planned.

“As I have said before, Guyana must never again be a country rich in resources but poor in living standards,” Dr Ali said. He added that his administration would launch a “national crusade against poverty itself… We will fight it, reduce it, and ultimately eradicate it.”

The president also promised to dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks and build a more efficient public service that delivers services online, responds with urgency, and “executes with excellence”.

Ali, 45, was sworn in as the ninth executive president of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.