– throwing support behind continued drive for improved vector control

WITH a growing threat of non-communicable diseases and the urge for increased vector control measures, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Wednesday donated in excess of $2M in equipment to 10 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and eight Neighbourhood Democratic Councils in Region 4 (Demerara/Mahaica). 

The presentation was formally made by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker, to the representatives of the various NDCs in the presence of Regional Executive Officer of Region 3, Mr. Donald Gajraj, and Vice-Chairman of the RDC, Mr. Azzam Pasha Mohamed.
The REO, who chaired the day’s proceedings, expressed his gratitude for what he called a “significant contribution” coming from the Government of Guyana and the Local Government Ministry. Gajraj said that the donation should be recognised as “assistance in the ongoing programme of promoting effective vector control measures in the region.”
He further added that “the 10 brush cutters will be assigned to assist the NDC with the ongoing programme against insects [and] mosquitoes.”
In recognition of the growing “threat of the chikungunya virus”, the REO expressed his satisfaction with the timeliness of the intervention taken by the Local Government Ministry.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, for his part told the representatives present that the contribution came out of awareness by both the Government and the ministry of the few shortcomings of the local authorities.
According to the minister, apart from the resources available to the NDCs in the form of annual subventions, and rates & taxes collected, these resources are limited compared to the demand for services from the citizens of the neighbourhoods.
Minister Whittaker further bemoaned that while there is a great burden placed on NDCs to deliver services, it is not often asked as to how these local government bodies are to go about the works.
As such, “both the Government and the ministry, in their considerations, had determined that the NDCs should have assistance in terms of dealing with the type of work,” the minister said, adding that these works are essential for community development.
Commenting on the source of funds for procuring the equipment, Whittaker gave all assurance that the contributions were not made as part of the country-wide “Clean Up My Guyana Programme,” but rather as part of the LGRD Ministry’s grant- “our annual grant that we receive from [the] Government to help NDCs with the small things that matter.”
Also speaking at the event was Vice-Chairman of the Region 3 Democratic Council, Mr. Azzam Pasha Mohamed who, like the REO, expressed his gratitude for the contributions from the ministry.
Mohamed, however, went as far as to call on the NDCs to be unwavering in their responsibilities to citizens. “I do hope, with this intervention, that the NDC will take up the mantle by delivering services to upkeep their communities to a standard where people would be satisfied.”
He charged the NDC representatives to ensure that the equipment presented to them is “properly monitored and used to bring relief to the people of their NDC and [ultimately] within the region.”
The Region 3 NDCs include: Wakenaam, Leguan, Hydronie/Good Hope, Greenwich Park/Vergenoegen, Stewartville/Cornelia Ida, Hague/Blankenburg, La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders, Best/Klien Pouderoyen, Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen and Toevlugt/Patentia.
The Guyana Chronicle was informed that eight NDCs similarly received donations of brush-cutters from the LGRD Ministry. These include: Industry/Plaisance, Better Hope/ La Bonne Intention, Beterverwagting/Triumph, Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance, Buxton/ Foulis, Haslington/ Golden Grove, Unity/ Vereeniging, and Cane Grove.

(By Derwayne Wills)