The Rest Is Politics: Leading 148. The President of Guyana: The Fastest Growing Economy in the World (Irfaan Ali)
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Aug 14, 2025 
Irfaan Ali, the President of Guyana, dives into the exciting transformation of his nation into the fastest growing economy, thanks to oil discoveries. He discusses the critical balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Ali addresses the historical impacts of slavery and emphasizes the need for inclusivity in conversations around climate change. The podcast also touches on the challenges facing West Indies cricket and the importance of biodiversity, underlining cultural identity as a cornerstone for Guyana's future.
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Humble Roots And Resilience
- Irfaan Ali describes a working-class Guyanese childhood with parents who were teachers and relatives who farmed.
- He says growing up under dictatorship shaped community resilience and survival skills.
Reframing Slavery As A Systemic Challenge
- Ali says the scar of slavery is deep but frames the struggle as one for systemic human dignity and progress.
- He urges using that legacy to build development strategies addressing mental health and opportunity gaps.
Design Reparations As Development Packs
- Treat reparations as a development package focused on education, health and mental-health investment.
- Design interventions that close generational gaps amplified by digitisation and AI.