PARIKA residents yesterday staged a protest in front of the office of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) to register displeasure at the state of the Parika Backdam road (which links the public road to the Parika Backdam), which is utterly disgraceful and almost impassable because of unusually large potholes and its shabby state whenever the rain falls.

This activity coincided with the 10am start of an RDC meeting which lasted until 1pm.
Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber said he was unaware that there was a group picketing outside the office, but after he learnt of the development, he went out to the picketers to address their grievance.
Faerber said no official report of the state of the road was ever brought to attention of the RDC, and the correct procedure is that such matters are reported to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which would then report the matter to the RDC.
He noted that the protest was orchestrated by a man called Deokinandan, who would normally organize such activities.
He said Mr. Deokinandan had brought the residents to the RDC, and was heard leading them on. However, budgeted road works cannot begin because there has yet been no release from the Ministry of Finance to the Public Works Ministry; therefore, subventions to the RDCs have not been released as yet. He said he explained this to the residents.
He also stated that when releases are collected, tenders would be advertised for suitable contractors to begin the works.
He advised residents that protesting was unnecessary, because the matter would be dealt with shortly; and he assured that the government’s aim is to satisfy all the needs of all the people of Guyana.