Kamwatta cites education as road map to development
THE residents of Kamwatta, (a satellite community of Santa Rosa) in Region One (Barima/Waini), have cited education as their road map to development, said senior village councillor Ronald Benjamin. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said every effort will be made to ensure no child is left behind.
Mr. Benjamin said it is the belief of the villagers, who are all Amerindians, that, once the younger generation is given the opportunity to explore their educational options, they can uplift themselves in many ways.
He continued: “Basically, we are stressing on education and we are working towards that for our young people. We are also encouraging the young people to come off alcohol and drugs, which have been the downfall of many Amerindian people.”
Benjamin said, over the years, residents of Kamwatta have also been pooling their efforts towards a ban on the sale, use and consumption of alcohol in the Sub-Region, because they believe the drink caused the downfall of many, especially in Amerindian communities.
“We have taken it very seriously and there has been changes …we found that, if we can manage this, we can have better lives for ourselves and the residents have responded positively and, with a fair mind, everyone thinks that going in this direction could be very profitable for us,” he said.
Benjamin said, since that decision was taken by villagers, Kamwatta has come a long way and progress is evident, with more persons having turned to Christ and there has been a positive energy amongst the people.
Additionally he said, the Sub-Region has been progressing in other areas and Kamwatta will be flourishing with businesses and have job opportunities for the upcoming generation within the next five years, given the rate at which development has been taking place.
“We have moved a far way from thatched roofs to concrete structures … we can live and excel like anybody elsewhere,” he boasted.