After hearing the litany…
MINISTER of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali, on a recent visit to Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), assured residents that, as part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) mandate, their health concerns will be addressed in an expeditious manner. He was speaking at a meeting with the Toshao of Masekenari, Mr. Paul Chekema, village elders and other community members, while addressing issues raised, earlier this year, at the National Toshaos Conference.
Community Health Worker (CHW) and midwife, Ms. Janet Yamochi, said their litany of woes require urgent attention as the well-being of the villagers is at stake.
Among other complaints, she said medication requisitioned does not arrive in a timely manner, resulting in the delivery being useless.
Yamochi said the supplies have to be transported from Lethem to Aishalton, where they remain for between two to three months before being dispatched to Masekenari.
“This is a waste of money as these medications cost a lot to get here and, when it comes to the village, it cannot be used. So sick people are left without help,” she lamented.
To solve this problem, Yamochi suggested that it would be most useful if the village is given an outboard engine for its boat, which would enable the villagers, themselves, to collect the medicines.
In addition, Yamochi said children in the community are in dire need of vaccinations and pleaded for the relevant authorities to look into the programmes for the village.
ELECTRICITY
She said there is also need for electricity at the health centre to facilitate refrigerator storage and allow for the administering of medical assistance at night.
Alluding to the present constraints, Yamochi said: “When it gets dark, there is nothing I can do in the health centre because I cannot see properly. We need batteries or at least access to solar power.”
She requested that the health centre, itself, be fenced to protect the building and equipment inside, as well as to prevent thieves from gaining entry easily.
Despite those woes, Yamochi extended gratitude for the benefits the community has received.
“These are just things that would make our lives easier and we realise that it will take some time but we are happy for the many other improvements ,” he asserted.
After listening to the supplications from the community members, Minister Ali pledged that the PPP/C Administration will continue to ensure that Amerindian communities always benefit from developments taking place in the country and, as such, gave assurances that every effort will be made to assuage their problems.
He said: “I assure you that your concerns will be taken to Cabinet to be addressed, so that your lives could be improved. This Government believes in working in partnership with the people.”