– Minister Sukhai urges Region 7 residents at flag raising ceremony

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Ms Pauline Sukhai, on Saturday evening called for the coming together of the residents of Region 7 towards building a more resilient region.

The minister was at the time addressing residents at their flag raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 44th Republic Anniversary, when she noted that the anniversary was a fitting time to not only seek to pay homage to those past and current leaders who fought for the freedom Guyanese enjoy today, but also to recognise those who work together to build on their foundation, a stronger nation.
“Indeed, in Guyana today we enjoy a diversity of ethnic people, we enjoy a diversity of culture, we enjoy a diversity of resources, and indeed it is these important factors  that we should be reminded of, that as a people, we should remain strong, we should remain focused, we should remain a united force,” she urged.
“Today Guyana has developed; Guyana has been transformed in a way those in the past would not have dreamt of. We have done quite a lot as a nation, but we have much more to do, and therefore I encourage all of you to remain steadfast, to be patriotic, to ensure that you commit yourselves to put forward your best initiative so that Guyana will remain in the forefront of many of the developing countries, that Guyana will stand out as a model which others can look to, as we generate and establish many good practices,” she added.

The minister pointed out that the youths are the future, and so government has been seeking to put in place the education and other training opportunities to boost capacity for the future development of the nation.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford warned about the dangers of the region’s dependency on one industry that is mining. He said that in 2013, the region witnessed the danger of its dependency on mainly mining and urged looking at tourism as another means for the region’s economic sustenance. “We need to work assiduously to take care of our beaches, flora, fauna and other attractions for tourists, join hands together and work and realise this dream,” he urged.
Bradford also addressed the issue of solid waste management in the region, noting that the issue needs everyone’s support towards realising the dream of a clean and beautiful Bartica, and by extension, Region 7. Work towards a landfill commenced in 2013.
He also mentioned some of the work the region achieved from its 2013 budget allocation. These include the complete expansion of the Kamarang Hospital, the construction of the nurses’ hostel at Kamarang, and the extension of the Bartica Hospital. Work also commenced on the construction of two new schools; one at 72 Miles and the other at Itaballi Landing.
The flag-raising ceremony was interspersed with cultural displays, and also on stage were the beauties who will in April be vying for the Ms Bartica Regatta crown.

(GINA)