President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali recently emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the development of religious leaders, including pastors, pandits, and imams in Guyana. This statement was made during the commissioning of South America’s largest Lord Shiva statue at the Badrinaath Aashram on the Essequibo Coast. The statue, known as the Bhagwan Shiva Murti, was established by Pandit Munesh Dhanraih.

In his address, President Ali highlighted the importance of collaborating with religious leaders and identifying institutions that can aid in their development. He stressed that faith and spirituality are fundamental components of a stable nation and expressed the government’s dedication to maintaining the rich and diverse religious fabric of Guyana.

The president also acknowledged the Aashram’s significance, noting that it fosters a sense of belonging and connection among the community while promoting values such as faith, consciousness, and a reconnection to cultural heritage.

Shifting focus to infrastructural development, President Ali outlined the government’s plans for enhancing regional prosperity. He announced ongoing efforts to secure an additional ferry service for the Essequibo region to accommodate the increasing economic demands, which will improve connectivity between Essequibo and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, he revealed plans to procure another ferry to serve the Northwest route, building on the success of the MV Ma Lisha, which was commissioned in partnership with the Government of India in 2023. This ferry has significantly improved transportation, trade, and tourism between Georgetown and the North West district. President Ali noted that the demand for ferry services has surged since its launch, prompting the need for an additional vessel. To facilitate this, Cabinet has requested a team of engineers to provide an estimated cost for the new ferry service.