Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second term Sunday after winning last week’s elections, as the South American country reaps a windfall from offshore oil and gas production. The electoral commission certified Ali’s win, saying he “secured a resounding victory” and his People’s Progressive Party secured a majority in Parliament, with 36 of the 65 seats.
Guyana, wedged between Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname, has drawn increasing attention for the vast oil reserves discovered offshore a decade ago and mineral wealth. The resource rich Essequibo region — administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela — remains a point of tension. Ali has won praise for channelling some of Guyana’s new oil wealth into popular social programmes. In a speech after being sworn in, the 45-year-old urban planner sent a message of unity.
He promised new development that would rapidly expand the economy and said he would continue social programmes that “build more prosperity in every family and every home”. “The next five years will be the most consequential in our nation,” he said.
“History has placed our hands on the resources, the opportunities, the partnerships and the international goodwill to transform promise into reality.” Ali has overseen multiple construction projects, including hospitals and highways.