ALISTER Charlie, who hails from Lethem in Region 9, has refuted the misleading statements made by Leader of the APNU/AFC alliance, Mr David Granger that “it is a pity that Guyana’s largest region happens to be the poorest”.Charlie, in a statement to the Chronicle yesterday, said: “I, like other sober-minded Rupununians humbly refute Mr. Granger’s statement which is a blatant eye pass to residents of Region 9.”

Following is the full text of Mr. Charlie’s statement to this newspaper:

I have read with disgust of an article published online by the Kaieteur News on its webpage dated 2015-03-14 under the caption ‘APNU+AFC crafts plan to improve living conditions in Region 9’.
The newspaper quoted: “The historian said, too, that it is a pity that Guyana’s largest region happens to be the poorest.”
I, like other sober-minded Rupununians humbly refute Mr. Granger’s statement which is a blatant eye pass to residents of Region 9.
Mr. Editor, Region 9, being Guyana’s largest geographical region, is absolutely on the rise and the people of the region have been enjoying a better standard of living today than they did under the PNC regime.
Government’s timely efforts through the implementation of sound policies and prudential regional management has resulted in the significant progress and development of Region 9 in the areas of Education, Health Care, Housing, Roads, Bridges, Communication, Potable Water Supply, Agricultural Development, Power Generation through the Hinterland Electrification Programme and upgrading of the transportation network through the Hinterland Road Programme under the Ministry of Public Works, thus allowing villages of Region 9 to be closely connected and integrated.
The construction of the Takutu Bridge linking Guyana and Brazil is a sound driving force behind Lethem’s booming commercial sector. Lethem and other Regional Sub Districts has been transformed tremendously over the years under the PPP administration with a booming Commercial Zone as Guyanese continue to erect huge shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels in the Commercial Zone.
Region 9 is blessed with two booming commercial banks which offer a wide range of financial products and services to the people of Region 9. The financial institutions itself has been contributing significantly to the growth and development in the economy by improving access to financial services. So how can Mr. Granger refer to Region 9 as the poorest?
The water sector has experienced unprecedented progress and development as focus has been placed on ensuring Residents of Region 9 have access to safe drinking water. Residents of Region 9 are accessing potable water closer to their homes following Government’s investments and methodologies such as solar water systems, drilled wells, trestles and gravity feed systems.
Under the PNC led administration, Region 9 was blessed with an only dilapidated community high school in St. Ignatius. Since the PPP took office that very dilapidated school was reconstructed and extended and is now a Grade A Secondary School with other secondary schools, dormitories and teachers’ quarters constructed in Sand Creek, Aishalton and Annai.
Mr. Editor, I can go on and on to mention the numerous achievements, progress and developments that have taken place in Region 9 under the PPP administration, which is in stark contrast when compared to the PNC regime.
Let progress and development continue in Region 9. One day the blind shall see and be a witness.