President Dr Irfaan Ali has issued a stern warning to his newly sworn-in Cabinet, declaring that those who view Government as an exercise of power rather than responsibility will quickly find themselves out of office.
At the swearing-in ceremony at State House on Saturday, following the People’s Progressive Party’s sweeping victory at the 2025 General and Regional Elections, President Ali underscored that the next five years will be the most decisive in Guyana’s history.
“This Government is not about power, and I want to make that very clear. Without this power, you will find yourself out of the job very quickly. This Government is an exercise of responsibility, service, humility, and no ego. With great clarity, some of the expectations of our people, and we intend to be free Guyanese and fulfil the expectations of our people, and their expectations are to live a life of dignity, a life in safety, a life of honour, a life in which prosperity reaches every home, a life in which our elders can retire in dignity and in comfort, and a life in which your communities are clean and you have sanitation services. A life in which you feel alive with high quality and standard of living, world-class education, and world-class health services. The journey ahead is going to be accelerated,” the Head of State declared.
The Guyanese leader emphasised that the new administration would be measured strictly by results, transparency, and efficiency, with continuous assessments to ensure delivery.
The 25-member Cabinet features a combination of continuity, reassignment, and new leadership. Among those retaining their Ministerial posts are Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Housing Collin Croal, and Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vidyha Persaud.
New portfolios
Meanwhile, several Ministers were reassigned to new portfolios. Priya Manickchand, who previously served as Minister of Education, is now the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, supported by Pauline Sukhai, the former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, as Minister within that Ministry.
Additionally, Oneidge Walrond, who once held the Tourism, Industry and Commerce portfolio, now heads the Ministry of Home Affairs. Sonia Parag, formerly Minister of Local Government, has taken up the Education portfolio, while Susan Rodrigues, who previously served as Minister within Housing and Water, now leads the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
Newcomers
Moreover, the new Cabinet also introduces fresh faces and youthful leadership. Sarah Brown replaces Pauline Sukhai as Minister of Amerindian Affairs, while Zulfikar Ally has been appointed Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation. Keoma Griffith takes over as Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, replacing Joseph Hamilton, and Vikash Ramkissoon has joined as Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture. Former cricketer Steven Jacobs has been tapped as Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, while Vanessa Benn now serves as Minister within the Ministry of Housing, replacing Susan Rodrigues.
President Ali told his team that the coming term will require urgency, cohesion, and accountability. He stressed that Government service must translate into tangible improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for every Guyanese household.
“The appointments to Cabinet were not made lightly. Great consideration was given to every portfolio and what we want to achieve, and the speed at which we want to achieve these results. The choices were never about competition… The people of Guyana deserve leadership that is steady and unified. Leadership that places service above self, and leadership that converts policy into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens.”
“Our transformative programme for the next five years is ambitious. It demands urgency, but it also demands accountability. We are tasked with building infrastructure that will connect our regions, modernising institutions that will safeguard our democracy, reforming the systems that deliver health care and education, and diversifying the economy to ensure prosperity for generations to come,” he added.
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