HGP Nightly News – President Dr. Irfaan Ali has made his strongest political signal yet on the future of Georgetown, declaring that he wants to see the capital placed under PPP/C leadership and saying the city deserves far better management than it currently has.
The President made the statement on Monday while commissioning the newly transformed four-lane Aubrey Barker Road in South Georgetown, a major infrastructure project he used as a platform to contrast the Government’s development agenda with what he suggested has been weak performance at City Hall.
In doing so, Ali moved beyond general criticism and spoke directly about his desire for a change in political control of the municipality.
“I am interested in seeing a People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led city council,” Ali said. He left little doubt about his position, adding, “So don’t guess what I’m saying… We want the chance to run this city because this city deserves better than what it has today.”
The remarks come at a time of continued friction between the Central Government and the APNU-led Mayor and City Council over the management of Georgetown’s infrastructure, particularly drainage, flooding and maintenance. By raising the issue at the opening of a major road project, the President appeared to sharpen the political divide over who is better able to manage and modernise the capital.
The Aubrey Barker Road project itself represents a major upgrade to the city’s transport network. The $6 billion development has converted the corridor into a four-lane roadway, significantly improving the Ogle-Eccles connection. The 4.4-kilometre stretch now includes upgraded drainage, sidewalks, road markings, safety signs and lighting, along with a 1.6-kilometre extension to Ogle Road.
Ali used that project to reinforce a larger message about governance and delivery. In his view, Georgetown needs more than temporary fixes and piecemeal interventions. It needs stronger leadership and a more consistent approach to development, one that he suggested the current city administration has failed to provide.
Addressing the issue of flooding, the President said he was not interested in engaging in a blame game. But he also made it clear that if drains are not maintained and pumps are not properly operated, the Government is prepared to step in and continue acting with the support of the people. That statement adds to the wider tension between central and municipal authorities over who should be responsible for keeping the city functional during periods of heavy rainfall.
Ali’s comments are likely to intensify the political battle over Georgetown in the period ahead, especially as infrastructure, drainage and service delivery remain major concerns for residents. His message was clear: the PPP/C is not just interested in improving roads and drains in the capital, but in taking full political control of the city’s leadership.
