Riverain communities share concerns, needs with Minister Whittaker

Over the last weekend, several ministers of the Cabinet were in Region One with the intent of meeting and interacting with residents of several villages including those in the riverain areas. This outreach gave the residents the opportunity to hear about on-going developmental activities, while at the same time they were able to share their concerns.
Minister in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker visited St. Anselm, Lower Kaituma, Barima/ Koriabo, Savannah, Blackwater, Red Hill, Barabina and Unity Square. Similar concerns were raised at the meetings, and the minister sought to offer solutions wherever possible.

Minister Whittaker indicated that he has observed that the communities have developed significantly and this is evident in the availability of education and healthcare facilities, and that the residents are using the land for income generation through mining and farming activities.
While in Barima/Koriabo, the minister noted that those who are engaged in mining are able to do so within proximity of their homes, and can return daily as compared to those in other areas who spend a lot of time away from their families.
He encouraged residents to expand their farmlands and urged that they venture into other types of cash crops, apart from the usual.
He was asked about wood harvesting, and advised that the wood be cut based on needs, but if it is to be sold out of the village, the Guyana Forestry Commission has to become involved in the process.
During the meeting, residents brought up concerns regarding the boundary lines between Barima/Koriabo and Chinese Landing. Barima/Koriabo residents are calling on the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to intervene because they are claiming that the latter is claiming a part of their reservation.
Minister Whittaker indicated that this matter will be passed on to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, but noted that both villages are titled and demarcated.
With regards to a request raised about teacher upgrade, the minister indicated that the appeal will be relayed to the Regional Education Department. He emphasised that teachers can access training through the distance mode, and they should pursue training in clusters.
In Lower Kaituma, Minister Whittaker pointed out that a lot of investments have been made in ensuring the availability of critical infrastructure in health and education for the community; however his concern is that the migration of residents will result in those being abandoned or sold.
The minister recognised that most of the youths, particularly the males are leaving the community to venture into the mining areas, and as a result the elderly and women remain in the village.
At the Black Water/Barabina meeting, residents indicated their need for a school in the community. In response, Minister Whittaker noted that he will discuss the matter with the RDC and the Ministry of Education.
While in Red Hill, the residents were applauded for selecting a young Toshao – an indication of their confidence in him. In this regard, Minister Whittaker emphasised that the Village Council members meet at least once a month, and urged that meetings also be held with the residents so that they are aware of the decisions and plans geared towards improving the village.
With regards to income generation, Red Hill cultivates cabbages in large quantities which are sold to ‘Amcar’. Minister Whittaker explained that if that company closes its doors then a lot of people from the village will become unemployed. In this regard, government is investing in empoldering a section of the land for the community.
The Village Council was urged to distribute the land fairly among the residents, and a meeting should also be had with the community so that they are involved in the process. Minister Whittaker also encouraged the village to meet with Amcar to let them know about the empoldering of their land, and that they will have crops to sell to the company.
He further explained that the company had, in the past, expressed interest in purchasing from the community however, the products had to be of a good quality, delivery reliable and cost competitive.
Ministerial outreaches are a part of government’s plan geared at getting the population involved in the developmental process.