As a result of a directive by President Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet members on Tuesday fanned out to meet with residents across Region Six, from New Amsterdam to Crabwood Creek.

Ministers Manniram Prashad, Pauline Sukhai, Clement Rohee and Overseer of NDC in Region 6, Dananand Chaitram, at Cabinet Outreach meeting in No. 70 Village.

Along the coast, villages 54 – 72 were visited by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad.

These interactive sessions saw crop, cattle and livestock farmers, estate workers, civil servants, and in several instances, re-migrants, sharing their views with elected officials.

Several issues of concern, common to most of the villagers assembled at various locations during the day, were raised and responded to by the Ministers.

One of the most pressing issues was recurring instances of pigs roaming freely in the communities and causing major damage to private yards, public roads and pavements, farmlands and canals. It was noted that while pig rearing has positive attributes, pigs must not be reared in residential areas.

Minister Rohee referred to Guyana’s Pounds Act, a bit of legislation that was amended in 2009 to give authority to police and Neighbourhood Development Councils (NDCs) to deal with stray animals. He indicated that there is need to enforce the new laws in the Act and ministries responsible for this matter– Home Affairs and Local Government– need to work together on this.

Section of the crowd gathered at Cabinet Outreach meeting in Region 6

Specifically, the provision in place allows for the shooting of pigs, provided that certain steps are followed. Procedurally, persons affected are instructed to approach the law enforcement authority in the community, informing them of the inconvenience. Thereafter, the police must inform the owner that a formal complaint was made about the animal destroying the complainant’s property.

If the problem persists, the animals are destroyed and the carcasses taken to the owner’s yard. The law addresses the issue of damage to public and private property and empowers the police so that situations can be addressed.

It is noteworthy that in Berbice there are six pounds that have been rehabilitated or newly constructed. These are located at Whim, Springlands, Sisters and No. 51 police stations.

A resident queried about issuance of firearm licences because of jaguars terrorising the neighbourhood and attacking his cattle. Minister Rohee indicated that this matter would be dealt with expeditiously.

Many villagers indicated that the community policing groups needed to be resuscitated, motivated and better equipped, since there is the need for more security in the villages.

It was noted that a campaign to address the growth in illegal bottom house rum shops around the country will begin in 2010. This practice has a negative effect on communities, contributing to increased truancy, nuisance and lawlessness.

While villagers were pleased with the continued growth and development of roads along the coast and into the villages, they raised the issue of maintenance.

In the case of drainage and irrigation, concerns were raised about the fact that land in the savannah that is used by cattle for grazing is in need of water, especially in No. 57-59 villages. They all agreed that there was the need for more water for the cattle in the area. (GINA)