Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, who visited Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo, Wednesday, was welcomed by residents who commended the Government on its efforts to further enhance the lives of citizens.
They also apprised the official of some issues that were affecting them, including security and youth development, rehabilitation of roads and the quality of water being received. Imaam of Good Hope Mosque, Ahmad Husain stated that the roads, especially those leading to rice farms, are pot-holed, thus making it very difficult for tractors to pull the trailers with rice paddy.
Husain added that the community needs a security upgrade since the police are unable to handle it alone.
He noted that persons are having difficulty with acquiring firearm licences; hence they are not able to protect themselves and families.
Minister Anthony suggested that persons in need of firearms send their applications to the Police Commissioner.
Another resident of the community, Sabir Hussain, added that there is a policing group but it is ineffective since members have no equipment or weapons to defend villagers against criminals.
Hussain said that members of the community have sent applications to the Ministry of Home Affairs for firearm licences but were not successful.
Minister Anthony advised them to keep sending in the applications as he will relate the matter at the next Cabinet meeting.
Another issue that is affecting persons in the community is the overuse of tobacco and cigarettes by children.
Residents pleaded with the Minister to provide a recreational facility so that youths will be able to partake in constructive activities.
Minister Anthony stated that the Ministry of Education has a law which states that all students below the age of 16 must be in school; otherwise parents can be brought to court.
He suggested that persons from the community should volunteer themselves to be trained by professionals from the Sport Ministry and return to their communities to train youths.
He added that youths between the ages of 16-25 years should consider enrolling into the 10-month Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) programme at Kuru Kuru, offered by the Culture Ministry.
Minister Anthony added that the Ministry will hold summer camps in August for children who are on vacation.