President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday swore in the newly elected Regional Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons of nine Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), urging them to leave political rivalry behind and focus squarely on serving the people with urgency, integrity and results.
The ceremony was held at the Arthuri Chung Conference Centre. The swearing-in is a constitutional requirement under the Local Democratic Organs Act. Chairpersons and their deputies can only officially function after taking the oath before the President, as prescribed by law.
General and Regional Elections were held on September 4, and nine of the ten RDCs have since elected their leadership. Only the Region Ten council is still to elect its Chair and Vice Chair.
Once the officials took the oath, President Ali used his address to set the tone for the new term. He told them the ceremony was not a formality but a reaffirmation of trust between the elected and their constituents. He said leadership is not an entitlement but a sacred duty.
The Head of State emphasized that the oath is a public and solemn contract, one that binds the new officeholders to fidelity, impartiality, integrity and service. He stressed that Guyana’s vast geography and diversity demand strong, decentralised governance, and that RDCs were created as the second tier of government to link national administration with communities.
RDCs manage essential public services including health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, recreation and community development. With elections now concluded, the President reminded that “the competition has ended” and cooperation should now guide their work.
Ali told the newly sworn-in Chairs and Vice Chairs that citizens expect solutions, not excuses. He said two words must define their performance: responsiveness and delivery. Guyanese, he said, are tired of delays, slow action and long waits, and expect visible improvements in their communities.
The President called on RDCs to be proactive, to intervene early before issues escalate, and to remain engaged with citizens. He pointed out that even with limited resources, leadership, communication and vision remain critical. He urged ongoing consultation, respect for residents, and regular updates so communities feel informed and included.
He reminded that the RDCs carry a “sacred responsibility” for the quality of life in their regions, shaping the environment in which children grow and elders live. He described them as stewards of development and guardians of public trust.
As they begin their tenure, Ali told them to remain faithful to the oath, to serve without fear or favour, and to execute their duties with fairness and sound judgment. He said their results will define how they are judged.
The President also signalled that in the coming days government will outline new plans aimed at further empowering community-level workers, councillors, RDC leaders and CSOs. He said the administration is committed to improving not just working conditions but also pay for community workers, pathway workers and SIP workers.
President Ali congratulated the officials on their election and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting their work as they advance development in their regions.
