I am so happy that Guyana is really ‘coming alive.’ It took some time: the foreign debt was most onerous; quite a few people left the country; and the critics are still just too many. Yet patience and hard work are paying off, and now residents of Siriki, on the right bank of the Pomeroon River, have received a long awaited potable water supply and distribution system. This news is truly inspiring, and it is testimony to the fact of development. First, I am thankful that the leaders of the land are very broad based in their thinking. Even today, a lot of people are of the opinion that to develop the hinterland and riverain areas is quite not the way to go. Guyana has a huge land mass, and logistically, it is quite challenging to move inwards. Yet despite many obstacles, the enhancement of peoples’ lives, in many remote areas is taking place.

I think of the education drive in the Amerindian communities, the ‘solar panel’ project, the ‘One Laptop Per Family’ programme, and these three alone are symptomatic of the better, general-wellbeing of Guyanese. I am sure that many negative voices will continue to spew criticisms, saying that this is just ‘electioneering.’ Well as far as I am concerned, these voices are ‘null and void.’ They have no effect whatsoever. The general public as a whole are most happy with their improved lot. They are thankful and they appreciate the realities of Guyana.

The installing of the potable water system in Siriki was done by Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) at a cost of $11M. The system comprises an artesian well and a pump, powered by a solar panel, which pushes water into an overhead tank. From here, it is distributed through standpipes, placed at selected points, and thus villagers’ lives are eased greatly. The network allows the some 350 villagers to access well water for the first time in their history. So the whole operation is something to really be proud of. Before this completed venture, villagers used water from the Pomeroon River and rainfall for domestic use. Here is a really good spin-off.

I personally have been refraining from visiting friends in the Pomeroon area. And the reason was simply that I was fearful of using the water. Now that fear is gone. I now speak for many who are already planning to visit the lovely Pomeroon. This means that tourism is getting a fillip from this solid investment. All I can say is that Guyanese simply need to be patient and hardworking. I am positive that many more projects of similar nature will be unfolding.