Following Cabinet outreach…
MINISTER of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee, in keeping with a promise made during a recent Cabinet outreach, revisited Number Five Village, West Coast Berbice, on Monday, to address the concerns of villagers.
At the meeting in Number Five Primary School, the issues raised included the need for a playground, upgrading of roads, rehabilitation and construction of bridges, poor drainage, garbage disposal, land ownership, street lights, potable water, electricity and employment opportunities for youths.
Several farmers requested a ram sheep for breeding purposes while others said stray catchers are needed.
Villagers also asked Rohee to convey their request for President Bharrat Jagdeo to visit and meet their children who have only seen him on television.
Some in the gathering suggested that Police ranks be present to assist schoolchildren crossing the roadway and intervene and prosecute tractor drivers who willfully deposit mud from the backlands on the thoroughfare.
Responding to related matters, Police Divisional Commander Steve Merai said they will be looked and dealt with forthrightly as it is illegal for drivers to create a muddy situation on the public road, because it is a hazard that can result in the loss of lives and serious injuries to people, including pedestrians.
He advised the complainants to submit the names of defaulters to him or the nearest Police station and undertook that the full force of the law will be applied.
Assistant Commissioner Merai also cautioned the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) representative to tread lightly on land disputes in the area and proceed in a legal way towards settlement and not get involved.
In relation to developmental initiatives in the community, Chairman of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Mr. Harrinarine Baldeo noted them but highlighted works being done by the Regional Administration.
He said some have been stalled due to lack of funds but referred them to representatives of the (NDC) and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA).
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rohee, who was thanked for convening the forum, reiterated that it was specially to listen to the residents, who, during the Cabinet outreach, beseeched him to return as he did not have enough time to hear them on that occasion.
He said the Government is committed to the country’s development and his presence was part and parcel of the efforts to foster development in that area.
Rohee said the bulk of the money in the National Budget is allocated to health, education and security but that does not mean that communities will be neglected.
About teachers illegally asking parents to purchase furniture for the school or participate in fund-raising activities, he said the Ministry of Education must give permission and that is why the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) was established.
Some residents claimed they were victims of discrimination and their community lacked development but Rohee assured them that their needs would be fulfilled.
Regarding street lights, he said Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Mr. Minister Robeson Benn is scheduled to take technicians there to do the installation.
Rohee also encouraged unemployed youths to apply to the law enforcement agencies for jobs, including as stray catchers.