Following estimates by those familiar with finances surrounding overseas trips, Ali and his entourage have racked up almost $500 million in travel expenses between 2020 to 2022. When compared to President Granger who racked up 209 million in three years, this is an alarming national bill. From Dubai to Kigali, Paramaribo to Los Angeles, Ali and his entourage have toured the world on the backs of hard-working tax-paying citizens.
Since his installation in August 2020, Ali has resorted to overseas trips to build up his image and seek some legitimacy. Having recognized that he was a national laughingstock, the president who sits in the chair under dubious electoral circumstances, quickly jumped on the plane for global photo ops.
As the economic situation began to worsen under the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) ‘trickle down’ economics policy, the installed president ran to other heads of state to sure up his legacy. This resulted in heavy strains on the nation’s coffers in difficult economic times. According to the estimates seen by this publication, Ali’s entourage is typically sizeable and each member has to be catered for in the form of tickets, food and accommodation.
The average plane ticket to Dubai from Georgetown is US $1300 (GY 260 000). Thus far, Ali has taken two trips to Dubai with an entourage of 15 members. Estimates put the total bills based on flight cost at GY 3,900,000. While some leaders in the world have cut back on overseas travel, Ali continues to jet out with no foreign policy and nothing to show the Guyanese upon his return from these trips.
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