Ali, Norton talk up good governance in New Year addresses

Last Updated on Thursday, 1 January 2026, 3:11 by Writer

President Irfaan Ali and Leader of the opposition People’s National Congress Reform-dominated A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton on Thursday ushered in 2026, promising to ensure good governance.

“I make a personal pledge to you, the people of Guyana. As your President, I pledge to govern with integrity, discipline, and compassion. To listen before I decide, to act with fairness, and to place the national interest above all else,” he said in his New Year’s address.

For his part, the PNCR-APNU leader vowed to keep the government on its toes when it comes to various principles of good governance. “We will continue to call out any instance of governance that conflicts with integrity, transparency, accountability and the rule of law,” he said in his address.

Dr Ali’s assurances comes amid Leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), Azruddin Mohamed’s persistent claims of alleged corruption by government ministers.

So far, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues have denied those allegations.

Mr Norton said the “highest ideals” of Guyanese people must not be challenged by corruption and dictatorial myopia.

In that regard, he called on the people not to support the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC)-led administration.

“The Guyanese people must know their interest and not support those who are responsible for them being in poverty. We must all act to ensure we all benefit,” he said.

Instead, he hoped that youths, Indigenous Peoples, public servants, the business communities, and all Guyanese would have a quality of life that reflects democracy and the “tremendous oil wealth we possess.”

In a separate New Year’s message, APNU parliamentary leader Dr Terrence Campbell also cited the need to improve governance. “As we embark on this journey, let us remain committed to improving transparency, accountability and public security for all,” he said.

Dr Campbell also called for an end to various types of discrimination. “We must work towards a society where every individual, regardless of ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, has equitable access to essential services, justice and opportunities,” he said.