….as he visits the East Coast Demerara community
Economic empowerment was the central theme of yesterday’s community outreach in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, headed by President Bharrat Jagdeo and several Cabinet ministers.
And the President assured Buxtonians that they will find ‘a helping hand’ in the State.
The meeting held at the Buxton High School saw hundreds of Buxtonians in attendance , all anxious to meet with the President, who called for increased ambition and a hunger for change in the community. Jagdeo’s welcome was something of a fuss, and the concurrence among community members was that the Head of State’s presence in the community was truly a “historic moment.”
The President stressed that the community needs positive leaders to transform the community and, by extension, the country at large.
He observed that there is presently a base from which this transformation can happen, but said it must be done together.
Jagdeo said Buxton has a rich history of achievements behind it, but one cannot live on the achievements of the past, rather as a community Buxton must work towards a better life for themselves and their future generations.
Acknowledging the community’s difficult times in the past years, the Head of State said the community must remain positive in the face of adversity.
He pointed out that one of the more important people in his life was a teacher, Ms. Audrey Payne, a Buxtonian, who he called a “defining influence” in his life.
“When I campaign, I do so on a PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/ Civic) platform, but I am a President of the people, President of Guyana,” he said.
Jagdeo made it clear that his visit to Buxton was because of an interest in its development, not to “get votes.”
He said with the community meeting, he hopes to have practical proposals to help Buxton move forward.
Jagdeo stressed the need to work in practical ways and put aside the politics.
The Head of State made several promises to the community: to rehabilitate the Tipperary Hall, which was welcomed; to have a steel band in the community; to promote the wholesome engagement for youths in the community; and the pledge of 20 computers to improve computer literacy, once the community can organise a committee to manage the resources.
He noted that the development demands many resources; and in Guyana’s case these resources are not widely available, hence the need to prioritize.
However, even in recognition of this, he noted that Buxton has had a “bad shake”, where economic action even stopped at one time.
The President said if employment cannot be generated and economic opportunities improved at the community level, the country on a whole will suffer, because of the linkages that the community has.
He highlighted the single parents as a target group and said the idea is to empower them, the majority of whom are women, and create domestic wealth, which in turn translates into national wealth.
Jagdeo said Buxton has to move forward and he committed government’s full support to this undertaking.
Areas of Opportunity
The President pointed out agriculture, livestock farming and entrepreneurial ventures, with support from the government and other agencies, as areas of opportunity.
He said once the interest is generated, economic activity will follow.
For entrepreneurs, the Head of State observed that approximately 30,000 single parents have been registered and are being trained, under the ongoing National Apprenticeship Programme, where they are attached to an organisation for a year. After that they are given a tool kit worth some $65,000 to start their own businesses.
Jagdeo also pointed to the Women of Worth (WOW) initiative that enhances access to credit, primarily for single parents.
No collateral is needed for the transaction to borrow a minimum of $100,000 and maximum $250,000, to be repaid at an interest rate of six per cent per annum over a 24 month period. The revolving fund was formally inaugurated, through GBTI last month, with an initial $500M.
Education was also a key area highlighted, and Jagdeo noted that with more emphasis here, a cadre of more marketable young people can be produced.
He said his administration is committed to providing support in whichever area it is needed.
However, he said, “You have to want this too, as badly as I do…the government cannot do it for you. You have to want this and we are committed to working with you.”
Needs
The President’s remarks were well received and stimulated and interesting engagement.
Community members raised several concerns that ranged from the stigma that follows Buxtonians to a bold request for $22M for the construction of a Youth and Community Centre.
Relative to the stigma, Jagdeo said moves will be made via the legislative system, since such stigma is discrimination based on geography.
Several individuals at the community meeting noted that in making applications for jobs they cannot include their correct address for fear of not being considered for the position.
The President said a collaborative approach is needed to remove this negative perception.
One Buxtonian suggested the use of the media to advance positive messages about the community.
Jagdeo agreed and said a television or radio programme can be arranged, providing that a team can present themselves to highlight the Buxton’s positives.
Additionally, the President said he would “examine” the $22M request which was made by the Toucan II Multipurpose Developers.
Among other issues the Head of State addressed are the need for more information on accessing micro-credit schemes; the need for additional recreational facilities in the community, which only has one functioning playfield; the provision of facilities to assist those engaging in agriculture activities in marketing their product; development of the road, in particular the one mile stretch leading to the housing area in Vigilance South; and the provision of employment opportunities for University of Guyana graduates.
The President said, in addressing these issues, that most important is to ensure that there are contact persons in the community, community leaders, to help move development forward.
He maintained that at the end of the day, the main thing is delivering on the promises made; at the end of t
he day it is the results that people are interested in.
Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica) Chairman, Clement Corlette, was also at the meeting and he said the visit by the President signals a more positive window outlook between the Office of the President and Buxton.
He pointed out that significant sums have been spent for the year, including $12M on maintenance of drainage and irrigation infrastructure, $36M on roads and another $2M on a sanitary block.
He also told the gathering that the Buxton Practical Industrial Arts Centre will be ready in September.
“These deliberations, hopefully, will work to see the transformation of the society,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were Ministers Priya Manickchand, Manzoor Nadir, Jennifer Westford and Bheri Ramsarran, and other government officials.
During the meeting it was pointed out that the 170-year-old village is looking to reconcile itself to the values it held dear in its early years, including sense of community, thrift, unity and pride.
Buxton was bought in 1840 by 141 freed slaves and was originally called New Orange Nassau. It was the second village to be bought by the freed slaves, the first being Victoria, but it was the first to receive a transport. In the early years religion and education were primary areas of focus as Buxton progressed.