GUYANA’S President Irfaan Ali was sworn in for a second term on Sunday after winning last week’s elections.

The electoral commission certified Mr Ali’s win on Saturday, saying he had “secured a resounding victory” and his People’s Progressive Party had secured a majority in parliament, with 36 of the 65 seats.

Guyana, wedged between Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname, has drawn increasing attention for the vast oil reserves discovered offshore a decade ago and mineral wealth.

The resource-rich Essequibo region, administered by Guyana, is also claimed by Venezuela.

President Ali has won praise for channelling some of Guyana’s new oil wealth into popular social programmes.

In a speech after being sworn in, Mr Ali sent a message of unity. He promised new development that would rapidly expand the economy and said he would continue social programmes that “build more prosperity in every family and every home.”

He said: “History has placed our hands on the resources, the opportunities, the partnerships and the international goodwill to transform promise into reality.”

Mr Ali has overseen multiple construction projects, including hospitals and highways. His administration intends to offer free college tuition this month.

He also has pledged to increase the monthly minimum wage, more than double pensions to $500 (£372) for people 65 and older and to cut power bills in half.