OVER a period of 11 days in Region 10, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill held 18 meetings with residents, culminating in Block 22, Wismar, where he emphasised to the residents that their future lies in their own hands. Seeking to dispel rumours that Region 10 is neglected by the Administration, Minister Edghill told the gathering that Government’s policies and programmes are crafted for the development of every citizen, irrespective of their political affiliation or geographical location.
“We must recognise that the outcome of life as an individual is based on choices we make, you can either allow yourselves to be seen as outcasts or you can change that perception; nobody defines you, you define yourselves.”
Minister Edghill called on the residents to move away from the ‘victim syndrome’ and start making decisions that will better their lives and that of their children.
“Don’t allow people to define you, when you do that you will have problems, no matter what people say about you, you must make a choice of how you carry yourself; and with dignity, you can lift yourselves out of poverty.”
The residents were urged to reflect on their past actions of engagement, with the aim of trying to see how fruitful and beneficial those have been for their community.
“If you keep doing one thing over and over, and you keep getting the same result, isn’t it time to try something different, which might give a different result?”
However, in moving forward with Government and the relevant authorities playing their roles, Minister Edghill stressed the need to revive community spirit in Region 10.
“We need your cooperation at the minimum if we are going to do our part. We need your cooperation, revive community spirit, and what we are doing and saying should be in the interest of all, we must also cross the line of prejudice and start seeing a bright future.”
Further, the Minister informed the residents that they need to hold their elected regional leaders to task as there continues to be very little engagement between the region and Central Government.
It was noted that such engagement is critical for the region to move forward and get the kind of development it deserves.
Meanwhile several issues, including, high water bills, street lighting in some areas, deplorable roads, and the needs for proper recreational facilities for youths were raised by residents as they sought Government’s intervention.
However while the Minister noted the issues raised; he took the time to point out some of the issues that should be addressed at the level of their town council.
“In every region you have a regional democratic council, and they are supposed to represent you and give voice to your dreams and make known to the Government your wishes and desires, and how they can be best served; the truth is the engagement between central Government and the Region is almost non-existent,” he acknowledged.
As he promised Government’s interventions where necessary, he called on residents to demand more at their regional level as it is their responsibility to visit communities, see what their needs are and make proper representation for budgetary allocations.
In his closing remarks, the Minister thanked the residents for coming out, as it reflects positively, and shows that there are still persons in Region 10 who are willing to engage in dialogue with the aim of furthering development in their communities. (GINA)