Irfaan Ali facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohamed Irfaan Ali
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Ali in 2020
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| 10th President of Guyana | |
| Assumed office 2 August 2020 |
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| Vice President | Bharrat Jagdeo |
| Prime Minister (also First Vice President) | Mark Phillips |
| Preceded by | David A. Granger |
| Minister of Housing and Water | |
| In office 7 January 2009 – 20 May 2015 |
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| President | Bharrat Jagdeo Donald Ramotar |
| Prime Minister | Sam Hinds |
| Preceded by | Harrinarine Nawbatt |
| Succeeded by | Ronald Bulkaan |
| Chairman of the Caribbean Community | |
| In office 1 January 2024 – 30 June 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Roosevelt Skerrit |
| Succeeded by | Dickon Mitchell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 April 1980 Leonora, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Guyana |
| Political party | People's Progressive Party/Civic |
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Spouse |
Arya Ali
(m. 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | St. Stanislaus College |
| Alma mater |
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| Awards | Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (2023) |
Mohamed Irfaan Ali (born 25 April 1980) is a Guyanese politician. He is the tenth and current president of Guyana since 2020. He is a member of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Before becoming president, he served as the Minister of Housing and Water from 2009 to 2015. He is the first Muslim president of Guyana. He is also the second Muslim head of state in the Americas.
Ali was a member of parliament (MP) and a cabinet minister until 2015. In 2020, he became the presidential candidate for his party. He won the March 2020 general election. He officially became Guyana's tenth president on 2 August 2020.
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Early Life and Education
Ali was born into a Muslim family in Leonora. This village is in the West Coast Demarara region of Guyana. His parents were both teachers. He spent many of his younger years on Leguan.
He went to Leonora Nursery and Primary schools. He also attended Cornelia Ida Primary. Ali finished his high school education at St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. He later earned a doctorate degree from the University of the West Indies. In 2003, he completed his Master's Degree in Human Resource Planning Development.
Professional Career
Before his political career, Ali worked in finance. He was a project manager for the Caribbean Development Bank. This was part of the Ministry of Finance. He also worked as a senior planner in the State Planning Secretariat.
Early Political Career
Ali became a member of the National Assembly of Guyana in 2006. This is like being a representative in the country's main law-making body. He was given important jobs as a minister. He served as the Minister of Housing and Water. He was also the Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce.
During his time as a minister, Ali sometimes acted as the president. He also acted as the prime minister on different occasions. In 2015, his party became the opposition party. During this time, he led important committees in the parliament of Guyana.
Presidency
Becoming a Candidate
Irfaan Ali was chosen as the presidential candidate for his party. This was for the 2 March 2020 general elections. He was selected on 19 January 2019.
Campaign Promises
In his 2020 campaign, Ali focused on improving Guyana's economy. He talked about creating 50,000 new jobs over five years. He also promised to make the country's new oil industry fair and open. He wants to set up a special fund for the oil money. This fund would be protected from political interference. It would help Guyana use its oil wealth wisely.
Foreign Policy
Working with the United States
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In September 2020, President Ali met with the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. They announced that Guyana and the U.S. would work together. They would start joint patrols at sea. These patrols would help stop illegal drug activities. They would also help protect Guyana's waters. This agreement helps Guyana keep its borders safe. It also helps the country understand what is happening in its waters. This gives Guyana more control over its own territory.
Honours and Awards
Ali has received several important awards:
- In 2023, the Government of India gave him the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman. This award recognizes his contributions to politics and community welfare. It also honors his achievements both in India and abroad.
- In 2023, the Government of Barbados gave him the Order of Freedom of Barbados. This award recognizes his strong efforts to improve cooperation in the Caribbean region. It also honors his work to achieve regional unity. He is especially recognized for his focus on food and nutrition security. This award also celebrates his work to uplift the people of Barbados and the wider region.
See also
In Spanish: Irfaan Ali para niños
