MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, visited Shieldstown Bankoo Square yesterday, where residents highlighted that they were all generally comfortable with the services government has provided.
This includes unlimited water supply, efficient electricity supply, suitable drainage and irrigation facilities and good roads.
However, there were a few concerns raised by some residents, including the lack of street lights in Shieldstown, inadequate farm lands and improper community centre/playground.
There were also complaints that there are not enough community policing groups, as persons who signed up for the job only showed up for police training a few times.
Resident Jessica Rambaran pointed out that her son was murdered in the community ground last December and to date, no justice has been served.
Another resident, Mohamed Baksh, said that the community playground needs to be upgraded, including the bridge and the pavilion.
He noted that there are cattle and other animals roaming on the field and persons live in the pavilion and refuse to leave.
Mahesh Jaggit spoke of the inactive mortuary at the Region’s hospital and emphasised the need for ambulance drivers.
Minister Prashad suggested to the gathering that they form groups and report the community issues to the Chairman of the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA), whose responsibility is to provide a suitable environment and living conditions to the community.
He emphasised that community policing groups are vital, since they assist the police, as well as provide security to residents, and he urged persons to take the job seriously.

Chairman of MMA-ADA, Rajendra Tribhawan pointed out that the Authority is in the process of recruiting persons from the village to undertake drainage and irrigation works, and at the same time an opportunity for employment is being provided.
Minister Prashad finally assured residents that the issues raised will be highlighted at the next Cabinet meeting, and solutions sought, as it is a priority of the government to look after the welfare of its people.