Preparations are underway for the hosting of the inauguration ceremony of Guyana’s ninth Executive President, Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday at the National Cultural Centre.

With COVID-19 changing the way things are done, the President has employed innovative procedures to ensure the involvement of the Guyanese public by complementing his inauguration observance with a number of outreaches to several regions to interact with citizens.

The inauguration event for President Ali will be held in accordance with strict adherence to COVID –19 guidelines.

This means that a limited number of persons will make up the list of invitees. Those persons will have to observe appropriate social distancing, wear their face masks at all times, have their temperatures checked and follow sanitization processes in place.

A screen will be placed outside the National Cultural Centre for viewing by members of the public.

The event is slated to start promptly at 10:00h with the arrival of Prime Minister (retired) Brigadier Mark Phillips followed by the arrival of President Ali.

There will be a review of the Guard of Honour and the 21-gun salute before the President and his entourage are escorted to their seats inside the Cultural Centre where the formal part of the ceremony will commence.

That will see the recital of the national pledge, singing of national and patriotic songs along with cultural dances in the lead up to the address by President Ali.

Dr. Ali, 40, was declared the Ninth Executive President of Guyana on August 2, 2020, by the Guyana Elections Commission after a five months delay following the March 2 polls.

He was immediately sworn in as President before the Chancellor of the Judiciary where he also took the Oath of Office.

Saturday’s event is ceremonial to mark his ascension to office.