MOST villagers in Buxton, East Coast Demerara, rejected moves by activists of Opposition political parties to organise protests against the visit there by President Bharrat Jagdeo last week.

The President on Wednesday visited Buxton where he received a warm welcome from residents who overwhelmingly resisted attempts by Opposition elements to persuade them not to attend a meeting at the Buxton High School and to protest, including waving placards, villagers said.

Some noted that the enthusiastic welcome the President received on his arrival showed that Opposition parties that once regarded Buxton as their stronghold were rebuffed in their bids to mount protests.

Mr. Jagdeo was invited to the village by the committee that organised the commemoration of the 170th anniversary of the founding of Buxton.

He arrived at the school to the sound of African drumming and singing and was escorted by a cultural group in the school compound where there was a larger gathering. Along the path were children, from various schools in the community, with garlands.

Resident Ms. Barbara Thomas Holder, declared, “The President is in the house. Today is a historic day and I feel good.”

As the Head of State made his way into the building, there were loud cheers from Buxtonians.
Observers noted that this kind of reception for the President in Buxton, in the face of the failed attempts to get residents to boycott, would not be of any comfort to those in the Opposition who have long regarded the village as their preserve.

“The opposition parties are losing the influence and clout in Buxton because Buxtonians are fed up and disgusted with their kind of divisive politics”, one analyst said.

Accompanying President Jagdeo on the visit were Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Priya Manickchand; Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford; Community Development Advisor, Mr. Odinga Lumumba; Chairman of Region Four, Mr. Clement Corlette and representatives of the region and the government.

Nehemiah Thorne, who scored 525 points at the recent National Grade Six Assessment examinations and is headed for Queen’s College, gave the welcoming remarks.

The traditional welcome also included the singing of the `Buxton Anthem’ written by the forefathers, a brief libation by cultural icon Mboya Wood and the presentation of a magazine on the village’s 170th anniversary.

The meeting culminated three weeks of celebrations in the community, formerly named New Orange Nassau, to commemorate its 170th anniversary since its purchase by 141 ex-slaves after emancipation.

Addressing the gathering, President Jagdeo commended the efforts by all in the community at empowerment, referring to the role of the churches, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and most recently, the 170th anniversary committee comprising overseas-based Buxtonians.

President Jagdeo promised a major overhaul of the now dilapidated landmark Tipperary Hall, and this was greeted by loud cheers from residents. It was once the headquarters of the Buxton/Friendship Burial Society and was the prominent venue for social events but has become dilapidated.

President Jagdeo said he is committed to providing all the assistance required to aid in every aspect of development in the community and he has advised his Cabinet colleagues to work with willing stakeholders.