– highlights the beauty of Guyana, which lies in the interior – Jagdeo
A book entitled “The Road – a Patamona dream” was launched on evening of Friday, April 01st, by Ministerial Advisor Harripersaud Nokta as a chronicle to capture and share his years of experience while travelling in the interior of Guyana.
At the launching, which took place at the International Convention Centre at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, Nokta, a former Local Government and Regional Development Minister, said that the book, which is dedicated to the memory of the late Michael Shree Chan, a former tourism and trade minister, was launched to critical acclaim of its author.
In remarks at the launching, President Bharrat Jagdeo said the majority of Guyanese usually live their lives on the Coastal Plain, being aware only of activities taking place between the seawall and the conservancy. As such, he urged that all Guyanese take advantage of every opportunity to explore the true beauty of Guyana, which resides in the interior of the country.
Jagdeo noted that the book will “help to close the gap we have, the gap of understanding our country. Most know only of the coast, not knowing the beauty of the country, a significant part of which lies in the interior — places more foreign to us than New York and the Caribbean.”
The book catalogues the struggle undertaken by Nokta to link Regions Eight and Nine by road, which served to make it possible to hold the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari. The president praised the work done by Nokta over the years on behalf of the PPP, and said he is “no dry weather, armchair politician”, since his invaluable contribution allowed the concerns, causes and struggles of a significant group of people who live in our interior, mainly Amerindian people, to gain the attention of policy holders and those on the coast.
Jagdeo added that even though he has, so far, not participated in the safari, he will do so after he has demitted office, in order to personally experience the adventure and hopefully be able to cut a “new trail”, since significant investment has been made on improving hinterland roads. He added that the improved investments have made it easier for safarians to travel. Two billion dollars have been allocated for improvements to various interconnecting roads in various hinterland locations, in keeping with the PPP manifesto presented at the last elections campaign.
According to Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Manniram Prashad, the road “opens up new avenues for the Amerindian people and for the nation as a whole.” It also creates easier access to communities, and brings development to far-flung regions of the country by providing schools, health centres, and many other vital services. Prashad also revealed that several overseas-based persons and companies have indicated interest in participating in this year’s safari, but because of late indication, they could not be facilitated. He, however, stated that the overwhelming response from would- be safarians has caused a second safari to be arranged during August to facilitate those persons.
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and close friend of Nokta, Donald Ramotar, recounted fond memories of exploring the interior with his comrade, who has intimate knowledge of various hinterland communities. He noted that many national leaders who have vast knowledge and experience about Guyana have never taken the time to record that knowledge on paper for the benefit of future generations. Accordingly, Ramotar applauded the former minister for taking the initiative to write the book. Ramotar noted that the publication would be a most useful tool to sensitise young people on the beauty of Guyana, as well as the struggles which leaders had to undergo in order to provide the several freedoms many today take for granted. He recounted the days when persons would require a pass to travel to interior locations, while recalling that Nokta would, many times, “tie his feet and legs to coconut trees before they tug him away and bring him back to Georgetown.”
The book was in the making since before the passing of former President Janet Jagan, and an early copy was presented to her for scrutiny by Nokta. And instead of receiving criticism, as he expected, the work was termed “very good” by Mrs Jagan, and Nokta was subsequently encouraged to pursue its publication.
Nokta stated that Hydar Ali and the late Sharief Khan were also instrumental in the publication of this historical work.
Nokta was a former Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Public Works and Communications Minister, and Local Government and Regional Development Minister.
