President Irfaan Ali Faces New York Protest While Outlining Guyana’s Development Plans

President Irfaan Ali says Guyana will need more foreign labour as oil-driven expansion creates major skills shortages, but the debate is now centered on whether migration policy will also protect wages, working conditions and living standards. The piece argues that any plan must support decent pay, worker rights and training for Guyanese, not just fill vacancies.

President Irfaan Ali says Guyana may see three million people passing through its economy by 2030 as oil-driven growth boosts demand for foreign labour, visitors and returning diaspora. The piece warns that migration policy must address housing, healthcare, infrastructure and election integrity, not just workers, or Guyana’s institutions could be overwhelmed.

President Irfaan Ali said Guyana will soon launch a state-backed investment vehicle to let the diaspora invest in projects like a fertiliser plant and gas infrastructure, with government-guaranteed returns. Speaking in Queens, New York, he urged Guyanese abroad to help fund the country’s rapid development and said global investors’ interest shows confidence in Guyana’s future.

President Irfaan Ali told Guyanese in Queens that his government has created 160,000 jobs and built more than 5,000 kilometres of roads, but those claims are difficult to verify because national labour data is limited and parts of the road network still need repairs. Outside the event, WIN supporters protested over governance and accountability. Ali also said a new diaspora investment vehicle will soon be launched.

We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) protested President Irfaan Ali in New York, challenging his UN message on law, equality and prosperity by saying those principles must also be upheld in Guyana. The party cited concerns over alleged political persecution, poverty, judicial independence, police interference, corruption and the MV Barima tragedy, turning his international speech into a test of accountability at home.