Community support needed to build a better Guyana

– Local gov’t minister tells residents of Berbice River

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Ganga Persaud, led a team on an outreach to several communities on the Berbice River, Region Ten over the last weekend as government ministers continue their meetings with residents in several regions.
Minister Persaud and team visited the villages of Malali, Muritaro, Coomacka, 47 Miles and Great Falls villages to interact with residents on transcending development as it pertains to the communities, and the country as a whole, during which he underscored the impact of community involvement and support in nation building.
The minister outlined the developments across the sectors, experienced over the past two decades under the stewardship of the PPP/C government.
During the meetings, the minister explained to residents that their community and the country’s development are the responsibility of every citizen. The PPP/C Government could have people with the greatest skills and qualifications, but if it does not have the support of all concerned, then the goal of building Guyana into a better nation becomes a very slow process, the minister said.
The same is true for community development, because if every villager accepts his/her responsibility with regards to community building, then the development of that community is fast paced and easy. The outcome is the reverse if persons refuse to play their role, the minister said.
During each meeting, Minister Persaud listened to residents’ concerns on issues affecting their development. Parents of Malali, Muritaro, 47 Miles and Great Falls spoke of the lack of security and discipline of children at the dormitory at Linden. The concern was that the lack of proper security was leading to the destruction of norms and values in the children. In light of their concern, the parents were fearful of sending their children to attend the secondary school in Linden.
Minister Persaud promised urgent action though the office of the Regional Education Department which is to investigate and remedy the issue. The Minister also encouraged the parents to counsel their children and educate them and instil good moral values.
Several issues were noted for follow-up with the relevant ministries that have oversight responsibilities for the services. This includes the request of the residents of Muritaro for more trained teachers. Villagers complained that the primary school was under-staffed with only three teachers employed; and only one being trained. This concern was noted for follow up with the Ministry of Education.
During the outreach the villages were supplied with footballs, nutritional supplements and text books.