THE Amerindian community of Santa/Aratak Mission in the upper Demerara River is to receive assistance from the Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) administration to develop agriculture and aqua culture in the area. This was decided upon following concerns expressed at a community meeting held at the Benab on Wednesday last, among residents and regional officials.

The regional team led by Regional Chairman, Mr Julius Faerber, included Vice Chairman, Mr Azzam Mohamed, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Ms Ameena Hinds, Regional Health Officer, Dr Ravindra Persaud, District Education Officer, Ms Penelope Mc Intosh, among others.

According to Captain (Toshao) of the Mission, Mr Reynolds Samuels, the community can no longer rely on logging as the main source of income. He informed that there is a 100-acre plot of land in the savannahs, part of which (10 acres) can be put to use for economic purposes and suggested that the cultivation of Red beans and Black Eye peas may be useful options.

In terms of aqua culture, the rearing of Tilapia was mooted by the residents, all of whom felt that this can be highly economical.

Residents also posited that women in the community can be gainfully occupied if further assistance can be given in terms of poultry rearing.

Responding to those ideas, Vice Chairman Azzam Mohamed pledged the regional administration’s support stating that it would endeavour to do all it can to address the concerns.

He however, pointed out that for those projects to be successful they would need the support, commitment and dedication of all the residents on the Mission.

Meanwhile, residents also brought to the fore the issue of electing a new council. According to Samuels, elections are slated for next Saturday, but he explained that there is some amount of doubt among the residents in terms of eligibility of a voter and nomination of candidates vying for the position of Captain/Toshao.

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber assured that all guidelines governing the elections would be made available before the end of the week. He also urged residents to work together stating that the community has nothing to lose but stand to gain if all work collaboratively.
On the issue of health care in the community, Dr Persaud reported that quarterly supplies of drugs and a monthly visit by a medical team have proven well so far. He noted that the health centre is short of water and informed that maintenance works will correct that and the tiling of the floor.
Meanwhile, Ms Mc Intosh reported that the Solar Panel attached to the primary school is out of order and assured the staff that the situation would be remedied shortly. She added that children have not been attending school regularly and punctually because of the long distances they have to travel by boat.