Warapoka concerns highlighted by Toshao, Regional Chairman
WARAPOKA in the Sub-Region of Region 1 (Barima/Waini) is in dire need of development in the area’s road networks, transportation and schools, Toshao of the village, Hilary Henry said. He mentioned those concerns in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle and declared there is only so much that the Village Council can do with the limited resources made available.
Consequently, Henry has asked various government entities to help.
He said most times, during the rainy season, adults and children are forced to deal with whatever challenges they are faced, regardless of the dangers involved.
“One resident only recently related to me that her children had to turn back because they had an encounter with a labaria (snake). So this is why we are asking that funding be provided to assist,” he lamented.
Henry said, even when his term as Village Captain has ended, he hopes that Warapoka will be a place where development is evident, motor vehicles could traverse smoothly and there is less of a threat to the lives of the villagers.
He emphasised the need for developing recreational facilities and programmes in the village and said it is another area that requires strengthening if the next generation is to bring something different for the betterment of Warapoka.
Henry said recreation activites will not only be an added incentive for the children of the region but would occupy their time in a more useful manner, instead of them turning to drugs or alcohol.
“We need to see better roads, in the future. We would want to see vehicles traversing the area. We would like to see the place developed and our young people more involved in recreation. This would be very good for our village and we cannot make it by ourselves but we will be grateful for the support from other agencies,” he maintained.

Take time
Henry said he is aware that these things take time and even while requests made might not be executed during his tenure as toshao, he would see to it that the priority areas are targeted.
“If this can’t happen in my three years as toshao, I will ensure that our priorities are executed and all in the best interest of the people of Warapoka,”
he pledged.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Region, Paul Pierre said, this year, more emphasis is already being placed on extension of school buildings and roads.
According to him, parents are becoming more cognisant of the importance of education in their children’s academic lives and, consequently, have found it fitting to make the extra effort in enrolling them in schools within surrounding areas.
In light of this and because of the limited space in schools, the situation of overcrowding has now arisen. However, strategies are being implemented to ensure that interventions are made in this regard, he said.
Pierre urged the residents to make a list of all of their problems and requests and submit it to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), so that provision can be made when the budget estimates are revisited.
“I want to say that, very shortly, we will be going back into to budget estimates and proposals for 2013 and I am urging all village councillors and leaders to get your list of priority issues and send to the RDC, so that we could present those to the Ministry of Finance when the time comes.
“…we can’t say you would get everything you ask for but, definitely, some of the requests will be fulfilled,” he promised.
Apart from that, Pierre reminded the village leaders to be vigilant and pay more attention to issues that can greatly affect the community, like child abuse and domestic violence.
He noted that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been working, through a zero tolerance campaign, to deal with such issues.
Pierre pointed out that very serious penalties are in place which would see the law being rigorously enforced in this regard.