–towards making ‘the good life’ a reality

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, has reminded Region Seven residents of the big plans the government has in store for them as she called on them to help make those plans a reality.
The minister was delivering the feature address on Thursday evening at the 51st independence flag-raising ceremony at Bartica, held under the theme, “Unity in diversity in a ‘green’ economy.”
Present were Region Seven Mayor, Mr Gifford Marshall; its Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr Roderick Edinboro; and regional and municipal councillors.
Minister Ferguson explained to the huge gathering that since the APNU+AFC coalition took office two years ago, it has been continuously working to restore the neglected regions in Guyana, especially Bartica.
Hence, in 2016, the government undertook several ambitious and transformative projects, including the reconstruction of the Bartica-Potaro road to Five Miles, rehabilitation of the Puruni-Itabali Road, construction of the Apanachi Bridge to 26 Miles, Issano, and rehabilitation and construction of drains and bridges in Bartica.
Most importantly, plans for the ‘Green Bartica’ project are stepping up, as the municipality is set to receive a grant from the Office of Climate Change shortly, to aid in the implementation of the project. She also highlighted the enhancement and upgrade of the Bartica stelling, which is currently ongoing.

The minister noted that most of the foregoing projects have been completed, and that increasing efforts are being made to complete the others before the end of 2017.
Stressing the need for unity to make it all come together, Minister Ferguson declared: “We are not like some who talk and divide; we preach unity and mean unity…
“I urge you, as Guyanese, to fight against those who continuously seek to divide us as a nation; I encourage you to support your leaders as they develop new initiatives to move Bartica, and to create ‘The Good Life’ for all citizens.”
She also posited that this government continues to work to realise its manifesto promises, and has been delivering. She listed as being among those achievements increases in old age pension and public servants’ salaries; the establishment of 51 new ICT hubs across Guyana; and a reduction of VAT to 14 per cent, all of which Barticians have also benefitted from. “Bartica, since gaining township status in 2016, I am aware that your region and communities have changed; and there are many [more]changes coming your way,” Minister Ferguson said.

“As we celebrate another year as an independent nation, let us unite and embrace nation- building,” she concluded.
Mayor Marshall, who voiced similar sentiments as Minister Ferguson, urged his fellow Barticians to work together to move the newly established township forward, stressing that there is a lot of work yet to be done, which can only be accomplished by bridging the gap of disunity.
“Guyana can and will move forward, only if we work together,” he said, adding:
“For too long we’ve been neglected and left out from the decision-making process in Guyana, but as the government seeks to promote unity, three Barticians are seated on three important boards, namely: Housing, Health and the National Communications Network.”
The mayor further illustrated several plans underway for Bartica, including the soon-to- be-completed boulevard, an enhanced community centre ground, and the Green Bartica Project.
Mayor Marshall lauded the government for these initiatives, which he said will certainly improve the standard of life for not only Bartica, but Region Seven at large. During the event, the gathering was reminded to never forget the great leaders who fought for Guyana’s freedom.
Residents from across the region displayed their talents and skills through song, dance, poetry, drama and comedy. (GINA)