A group of pensioners led by a re-migrant yesterday morning held a brief protest as they called on the Better Hope Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to move swiftly in addressing several concerns of the community.

The pensioners numbering just under 10, consisting of men and women were expressing their frustration with the state of roads in the community, a deplorable access bridge to the community, scarce garbage collection and the absence of a health centre in the community.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle just after the police arrived and ordered the senior citizens to clear the area, one of the disgruntled women explained that for years the bridge has been a contention for residents with respect to their safety.
According to her, three years ago the bridge was patched up when the responsible authorities could have in fact constructed a new bridge out of concrete. At present there is a hole in the bridge which according to the other pensioners poses a danger to life and limb.
They expressed concern for the safety of children and persons who use the bridge at nights.
Yesterday morning the Chronicle observed that several streets in the area are almost impassable and the ones which are relatively in a good condition lead to parts of the village which is not very populated. Among one of those areas which persons do not really use each day but which has a road in relatively good condition is the cemetery area in the village.

The state of a plot of land which should also be used as a recreation area for the community is useless since it has been reduced to a grazing ground for cattle. Garbage is usually piled up along another road leading to the cemetery and which is sometimes burnt by the residents due to the non-visits by the garbage collection crew from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
Yesterday’s protest did grab the attention of Regional Chairman, Clement Corlette. As this reporter was leaving the area it was noticed that the Regional Chairman was making his way into the village.
Corlette told this publication that he was not aware of the plight of the people but has immediately instructed the Better Hope NDC to have the bridge fixed while the Ministry of Public Works will be approached in the coming week to address the road woes of the residents.
By Leroy Smith