AS part of a mandate issued by the President, Donald Ramotar last April, ministers of the government are required to intensify their interaction with people at the grassroot level so as to allow for better decision-making. Recently, a ministerial team visited communities in the Demerara River including Susannah Rust, La Harmony, Sand Hills and Endeavour.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Ganga Persaud and a team including his Deputy Permanent Secretary, Abena Moore met and interacted with residents of Endeavour and Susannah-Rust.
During discussions with residents, Persaud acknowledged that elections are events that can divide the country but the present government is in full support of that democratic right and the development of communities throughout Guyana.
The minister noted that he was a teacher in his earlier days in the communities in the Demerara River, and from then to now it is evident that the communities are affected by migration as people are gravitating to areas where there are more opportunities.
Persaud, referring to one of government’s concerns about the attitude some people have regarding farming, said people consider farming not to be a noble profession, but still complain of unemployment.  He highlighted that many people in the city are dependent on  produce from the communities in the Demerara River, a reflection of the importance of farmers.
Persaud pointed out that Guyana, because of the way it is developing, is also changing from what it used to do traditionally and its activities today reflect the modernisation being experienced which has an impact on people’s attitudes and behaviours.
He noted that during the last 20 years Guyana has undergone many changes and the progress achieved will be sustained and advanced.
The availability of health care facilities is a great achievement for many remote communities which did not have such services at their door steps in the past.
Persaud stressed that while challenges exist, youth must be encouraged to have positive attitudes since everyone has a role to play in nation-building.
The minister and his team distributed packages from several ministries containing items that are beneficial to both communities. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport sent sports gear, while the Health Ministry sent supplements for children and pregnant women.
The Agriculture Ministry sent in several packets of seeds while the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development in collaboration with Food For the Poor Inc., donated books, learning materials, games, and clothing among other items.
During this visit, four solar systems were given to the Dora and Low Wood Health Centres and Dora and Susannah-Rust Primary Schools.
Communities in the Demerara River are regarded as rural villages, nevertheless when the hinterland distribution is completed, then the possibility of the solar panel programme being introduced in rural communities will be looked at, he said.
Some of the concerns raised by residents included requests for brush cutters, solar panels for schools and promotion of agriculture.
This outreach followed days  after s similar visit to Region 1 (Barima/Waini) where five ministers met with residents in several communities in the Moruca sub-district and a seven-day visit by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai to Regions 8 and 9.