A team of government and regional officials visited Moruca, Region One, on Saturday, October 8 as part of a countrywide outreach programme.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker being welcomed by a child in Moruca
The team included Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker, Region One Vice Chairman Paul Pierre, Region Two Chairman Alli Baksh, and Mainstay Toshao Yvonne Pearson.
A large gathering assembled at the market square to listen to, and share their views with, the visiting team.
Minister Sukhai highlighted evidence of progress, not only in the Moruca sub-region but throughout Guyana. She pointed to the Takutu and Berbice rivers’ bridges which are now serving thousands of people. She noted that the Takutu Bridge is a landmark achievement, as it strengthens relations between Guyana and Brazil and provides numerous positive trade opportunities.
Economically, she said, Guyana has made major strides: the country is no longer working with an Economic Recovery Programme or any other International Monetary Fund programme.
These are all testimonies of progress, Minister Sukhai said.
She outlined the changes in some of the most remote villages, such as Baramita, which was until recently accessible only by air. A new road was constructed from Matthews Ridge to that village.
In his remarks, Minister Whittaker made reference to the Reunion Manganese Company which is investing heavily in the Matarkai sub-region and has created jobs for more than 200 persons. This, he said, is a major transformation in that district.
He noted that the benefits from the One Laptop Per Family programme and the Amaila Falls Hydroproject would significantly transform the lives of all Guyanese.
Vice Chairman Paul Pierre highlighted some of the major developments in Region One, especially as those related to infrastructure.
He stated that the Moruca sub-region received the largest budget allocation for road construction in Region One, and efforts are being made to ensure all roads are in a good state.
This, Pierre said, was the vision of a former toshao of Moruca, who had expressed hope of seeing vehicles traversing the roads in that community. Today, he said, that vision has become a reality.
This is one result of the tremendous investment that has been made in constructing and rehabilitating roads in that sub-region, he added.
Another major accomplishment was the construction of the Matthews Ridge-to- Baramita road, which allows for easier access to the Baramita community.
