-during Cabinet outreach in Region Six
In keeping with Government’s policy to ensure accountability, good governance and political development, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Human Services Priya Manickchand on Tuesday held discussions with Berbicians to engage them on proposed plans related to community development.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, speaks with a pensioner at the Nurney/Friendship Ramcharitar square meeting.

The meetings, held at Nurney/Friendship Ramcharitar square, Kildonan center square and at Eversham Neighbourhood Democratic Council square, were part of Government’s annual Cabinet outreaches.

At Nurney/Friendship, Prime Minister Hinds spoke of some of the developments accomplished in the region. “There are recorded improvements and now we are interested in what are the next steps you (community) would like to see happen to add to the current developments.”

He said that the development of Guyana’s economy is of great importance to Government, and as such, the re-shaping and re-modelling of industries, especially sugar, rice, bauxite, timber and gold, will be significantly enhanced this year.

He noted that the administration is looking at developing a much brighter future, one where more job opportunities will be created.

“Much money has been spent in investment in the economy, but while there are still some challenges, I can assure you that Government is committed to ensuring that there is stability,” the Prime Minister said.

Touching on some of the challenging issues during 2009, Mr. Hinds noted that there are still some that need to be addressed, including making the bauxite and sugar industries more competitive; and he assured that Government can and will work through all difficulties.

A resident voicing her concern during the Cabinet outreach, Region Six, at Eversham Neighbourhood Democratic Council square.

Speaking on enhanced technology in Guyana, Prime Minister Hinds said that it is one of the administration’s aims during this year to have the area more developed as it is President Jagdeo’s vision to have all schools, from nursery to university, fully equipped with computers and internet access.

Government is also looking to access another fiber optic-cable so that there will be a main link across the coast and another from the capital city to the mining town.

And Minister Manickchand stressed that society should cooperate to build a strong and better Guyana, one where there will be more timely developments.

She noted that it is not Government’s intention to sit at desks and make policies, but rather to interact and be more consciously involved in the lives of its citizens.

“This outreach is to hear your feedback so that we know what else we can do to make your life better. I assure you that whatever issues are raised here today will be dealt with tonight during our Cabinet meeting with President Jagdeo.”

She noted that Government is very keen on the delivery of services to its citizens and as such, the issues and concerns of residents will help frame this year’s National Budget.

She posited that many timely developments in human services have been recorded over the past years, including the passing of better laws to protect Guyana’s children. Several children’s bills, the launch of the Child Care and Protection Agency, distribution of public assistance and better management of homes and orphanages are among the areas where there have been significant improvements.

“We are committed to making the lives of our citizens better and will continue to invest more to ensure that all our policies are met,” the Human Services Minister said.

Among the issues raised at the meeting were proper irrigation and drainage structures in the Friendship area, especially in light of the current El Nino condition, electricity, police use of radar guns, old age pension books, and proper roadways in Limlare Village, garbage disposal, irresponsible animal rearing and inflated water bills. Many of the issues raised were addressed by the subject Ministers.

Minister Manickchand, in response to comments on the use of the radar guns by police officers, stressed that persons should not be speeding on the country’s roadways. She said the instrument is necessary to ensure that speeding stops, and this will result in reducing the number of road fatalities.

The subject Ministers were also accompanied by officials from the RDC and NDC, Ministries of Agriculture and Human Services and Social Security, and the Guyana Water Inc. (GINA)