Irfaan Ali

Irfaan Ali (born 25 April 1980) is a Guyanese politician who currently serves as the 10th and current President of Guyana since 2 August 2020.

Irfaan Ali in 2020

Quotes

• He (Imam Shaheed Mohamed) was instrumental in building the (Queenstown) mosque. He took from his pocket and asked the Muslim community to donate so that the mosque could have been completed. The Muslim community, matter in fact, the community at large is poorer without him.
  • Irfaan Ali (2021) cited in: "Queenstown Masjid Imam passes on" in Guyana Times, 18 September 2021.

• I want to create new educational and work opportunities for young professionals in our country. I want them to gain experience and to become educated and trained to be owners and managers of all sectors of our society. While, at this time, we must rely on foreign know-how in the oil and gas sectors, the ground must be readied now for young Guyanese to assume those positions, regardless of their race, color or creed.
  • Irfaan Ali (2022) cited in: "President pledges more oil and gas scholarships" in Stabroek News, 1 January 2022.

• Our little children who are differently abled, they too must enjoy a good life, they too must enjoy a prosperous life, they too must be able to experience the joys of life in a comfortable environment, in an environment in which they are safe, protected, their parents can find comfort in having their children there. We are showing that in the world, we have a common commitment to ensure equity in access so notwithstanding the schools that were already budgeted for this year, we now can expand the program with this gift of love from the UAE (United Arab Emirates).
  • Irfaan Ali (2023) cited in: "‘An act of love’ – Sod turned for $100M Disability Facility at Region Three" in News Room, 12 June 2023.

• Our first line of defense is diplomacy. But we are also preparing for the worst case scenario ... We are preparing with our allies, with our friends, to ensure that we are in a position to defend what is ours.
  • Irfaan Ali (2023) cited in: "Guyana is preparing to defend borders as Venezuela tries to claim oil-rich disputed region, president says" in CBS News, 6 December 2023.

• I have made it very clear that on the issue of the border controversy (with Venezuela), Guyana's position is non-negotiable.
  • Irfaan Ali (2023) cited in: "Guyana Agrees to Talks With Venezuela Over Territorial Dispute" in VOA, 10 December 2023.

• We are on the right side of international law, on the right side of ethics and on the right side of history.
  • Irfaan Ali (2023) cited in: "Essequibo crisis: Guyana says oil producers moving ahead despite Venezuela's threats" in SCMP, 12 December 2023.

• I have already made it clear that the ICJ (International Court of Justice) will determine the controversy surrounding the borders of Guyana and Venezuela. We are firm on this matter and it will not be open for discussion.
  • Irfaan Ali (2023) cited in: "Guyana Prez Irfaan Ali Says He Will Discuss Anything with Maduro but Not Border" in News 18, 13 December 2023.