President Dr Irfaan Ali

Proud Husband of Arya Ali, grateful father to Zayd and Baby Ilan and humbled to serve as the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

Today, I signed a Joint Declaration for an Enhanced Defense Partnership with United States @SecWar Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

This landmark declaration builds on our multi-decade partnership with the United States and represents an important step in strengthening the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reflects the strategic importance both countries attach to the security and stability of Guyana and the wider Western Hemisphere.

Under this enhanced partnership, the U.S. Department of War will provide sustained defence expertise, multidomain training and combined military exercises with the Guyana Defence Force, supporting our continued efforts to develop a modern, strategic defence architecture. Our cooperation will also strengthen Guyana’s air-domain awareness and our capacity to monitor, deter and respond to threats within and around our territory.

Importantly, the declaration reinforces our shared commitment to confronting narcoterrorist organisations and narcotrafficking, building on Guyana’s and the United States’ founding roles in the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and the Shield of the Americas. Together, we are sending a clear message that Guyana and its partners stand ready to deter malign state and non-state actors that threaten our peace, sovereignty and regional security.

This agreement marks another significant milestone in our expanding strategic partnership with the United States, which now encompasses security, energy, trade and investment. As Guyana continues to strengthen its leadership role in the hemisphere, we remain committed to building partnerships grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity, security and the protection of our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

[Sean Parnell @SeanParnellASW]

Today, @SECWAR and @Presidentaligy signed a landmark Joint Declaration at the Pentagon establishing an Enhanced Defense Partnership between the United States and Guyana.

Together, our two nations are strengthening our ability to confront narco-terrorist networks, secure the Caribbean, and defend our shared neighborhood.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

My Government is taking decisive action to restrict the importation of vapes and vaping products into Guyana as part of our commitment to protecting public health, particularly the health and well-being of our children and young people.

The growing use of these products, coupled with the serious health risks associated with nicotine addiction and exposure to harmful substances, demands responsible and timely intervention. We cannot afford to adopt a wait-and-see approach when the health of our people is at stake.

The restrictions will strengthen regulatory oversight while allowing for legitimate medicinal and therapeutic applications, subject to approval by the relevant health authorities. Our responsibility is clear: to protect our people, safeguard future generations and place public health above all else.

[Mark Carney @MarkJCarney]

Aujourd’hui, je me suis entretenu avec le président Ali au sujet des possibilités de renforcer les liens entre le Canada et le Guyana en matière de commerce et d’investissement.

Pour en savoir plus sur notre entretien :
https://t.co/Zs3Nf4ibVP

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

https://t.co/8Wk5iWim4k

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄

I am pleased to join the international community in observing World Food Day 2026. Food is more than a commodity; it is a fundamental human necessity.

Therefore ensuring that every person has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious and affordable food remains a shared responsibility. This requires not only increased production, but resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems that benefit every household and community.

For Guyana, this commitment is reflected in our drive to modernise agriculture, strengthen food and nutrition security, and contribute to the Caribbean’s capacity to feed itself.

The 2026 theme of this year’s World Food Day: “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, reinforces our vision of a productive, technology-driven and competitive agricultural sector.

We are building an integrated agri-food economy that connects production with innovation, financing, storage, processing, transportation and marketing.

Our investments are yielding measurable results. The International Monetary Fund’s most recent report shows that Guyana’s agricultural sector has grown by an average of 10% annually since 2022, accounting for 6% of national GDP and 20% of non-oil GDP.

We intend to build on this progress by diversifying production across crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and agro-processing, while strengthening traditional industries.

Our farmers remain central to this transformation. Through the Guyana Development Bank, financing is available to help farmers and agro-processors invest in machinery, land preparation, improved seeds, livestock, irrigation, storage and modern technology. By expanding production of rice, corn, soya, poultry and other priority commodities, while strengthening processing, packaging and cold-chain infrastructure, we intend to reduce import dependence, create livelihoods and improve the availability and affordability of nutritious food.

Our national efforts also serve a wider regional purpose. Through CARICOM’s food-security agenda, including the 25 by 2030 initiative, Guyana is helping to reduce the Caribbean’s reliance on imported food. Stronger trade links, harmonised standards, improved transportation and regional investment will be essential to building a more integrated and resilient Caribbean food system.

On this World Food Day, I call on our farmers, fishers, agro-processors, private-sector partners and all citizens to renew our collective commitment to food security. Through innovation, investment and responsible stewardship of our resources, we can build a modern agricultural sector that expands opportunity, strengthens livelihoods and ensures that every family has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food.

Happy World Food Day!

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

I strongly condemn the recent attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These acts of aggression have adversely affected operations at Riyadh Airport and threaten the safety, stability and security of the Kingdom.

Guyana deplores all acts of aggression that endanger human lives, undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and jeopardise regional and international peace and security. Such actions are counterproductive, deepen tensions and hostility, and take us further away from the goal of a peaceful and stable Middle East.

We continue to hope that these senseless acts of violence will cease and be replaced by an enduring commitment to dialogue, diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. There can be no lasting security in an environment of escalating aggression, nor any durable peace without a genuine willingness to resolve differences through peaceful means.

Guyana stands in full solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and lends its wholehearted support to calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, restraint, and a return to the path of peace and diplomacy. We urge all concerned to uphold international law and prevent a further escalation of hostilities, in the interest of regional stability and global security.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

Today, I had a productive phone call with @MarkJCarney , Prime Minister of Canada, to discuss various areas of mutual interest, including opportunities for investments within the development framework of the Guyana-Canadian Commerce Cooperation Agreement, investment protection and deepening our partnership on biodiversity.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

Guyana’s growing economy and stronger debt position are creating greater room to invest in health, education, infrastructure, agriculture and social development. As we expand, our focus must remain on productivity, stronger enterprises and an expanding private sector that creates jobs and drives sustainable growth.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

Shai Hope is special! One of the finest West Indian batsmen in the history of the game — focused, humble, committed and results-driven.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

On this World Teachers' Day 2026, I extend deep appreciation and gratitude to every teacher—past and present—for the invaluable contribution teachers make to our children and our country.

World Teachers’ Day 2026 is being observed at a time when our education system is undergoing profound transformation. The classroom of today is changing rapidly, with smart classrooms, digital technologies, online resources and artificial intelligence becoming increasingly integral to learning. These developments offer extraordinary opportunities, but they also present new challenges for our teachers.

Artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, is changing how knowledge is accessed, understood and produced. Used wisely, it can assist teachers in preparing lessons, developing educational materials, adapting instruction to individual needs and making learning more interactive and engaging.

But technology can never replace the teacher. It cannot replace the wisdom, judgement, empathy and understanding of a teacher. It cannot substitute for the encouragement given to a struggling student, the recognition of a child’s potential, or the patience required to help students overcome difficulties.

AI also presents new challenges for assessing students’ work. Teachers must increasingly determine whether an assignment reflects a student’s own understanding and effort or has been substantially produced by AI. This requires us to rethink not only how we assess learning, but what learning means in an age of artificial intelligence.

The answer is not to reject technology, but to teach our children to use it responsibly, ethically and intelligently—to question information rather than simply accept it, to understand answers rather than merely obtain them, and to exercise sound judgement about when and how technology should be used.

If teachers are to guide our children through this rapidly changing landscape, they too must be equipped for the journey. This requires a new level of pedagogical readiness. Our teachers must continually upgrade their knowledge and skills. Teachers must equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and understanding of how new technologies work and, more importantly, how they can be used to improve learning.

My government remains committed to providing greater access to training, professional development and the resources necessary to equip teachers with the competencies required for the classroom of the future.
We are committed to better pay, improved allowances, grants to support teaching and learning, more opportunities for training and greater morale among our teachers.

Our teachers must also remain central to educating, empowering and inspiring the next generation. I urge all teachers to continue to inspire minds, shape character and help build the Guyana of tomorrow.

On this World Teachers’ Day 2026, I extend my warmest and genuine thanks and best wishes to every teacher across our nation.

May God bless all of you!

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

Happy birthday to my dear friend and sister, @miaamormottley.
I wish you continued strength, good health and every success as you continue your service to the people of Barbados and our Caribbean family. May God continue to bless and guide you. Happy birthday, Mia!

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

I recently met with Panamanian President @JoseRaulMulino in New York, where we discussed ways to enhance and develop bilateral cooperation.

We also talked about Panama’s support for Guyana’s nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, for the UN Secretary-General role.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

I met with a US Congressional delegation led by Representative @RepGregoryMeeks on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Our discussions focused on Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in relation to the upcoming ICJ ruling; the continued expansion and diversification of our economy beyond oil and gas; and developments surrounding the Global Biodiversity Alliance.

The delegation, which also included Representatives @RepJayapal and @rep_jackson , reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the partnership between Guyana and the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as other relevant committees and caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus.

My delegation included Minister Dr Ashni Singh; our Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett; and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud.

[President Dr Irfaan Ali @presidentaligy]

This afternoon, I joined President @realDonaldTrump, Secretary of State @marcorubio and other leaders for a meeting of the Shield of the Americas on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting, convened by President Trump, called for enhanced collective action to combat narco-terrorism and greater efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Western Hemisphere through economic, security and multilateral coordination.

We adopted a Joint Communiqué declaring our intent to strengthen the resilience of the Western Hemisphere based on three pillars: economic, security and multilateral coordination.

The Shield of the Americas comprises the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago.