THE entrance to the Industry/ Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office was on Wednesday blocked by peeved residents of the area, who were protesting the appointment of a new NDC overseer.

The angry group blocked the gates and gathered in front of the NDC office, with some persons also taking a risk to mount a parked dragline to shout their protests.
The new overseer, Mr. Orlando Jardine, and the Acting Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Region # 4, Mr. Ramnarine Singh, were prevented from entering the premises.

Singh told the Guyana Chronicle that he arrived at the NDC office, yesterday morning, to “hand over” to the new overseer, but was prevented from doing so by the angry residents.
The new overseer refused to comment on the matter, when asked by this newspaper.
Activist with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Mr. Sean Austin, told the Guyana Chronicle that the former overseer, Ms. Karen Williams, served with the NDC for some 14 years and is well qualified, as well as knowledgeable of the area’s idiosyncrasies.
Austin explained that the residents learnt of the appointment after an altercation with regional officials and police officers over the illegal occupation of land aback Plaisance. The residents contend that the lands were being developed to serve other purposes, other than those of the community and its residents.
“The people served by this NDC are clear in what they want,” he said.
Seemingly oblivious to the blistering midday sun, the protestors, numbering about 30, were unrelenting in their protests. In addition to carrying placards, the protestors shouted: “Not another Sooba” and “Our overseer must stay.” The placards carried messages such as “IMC (Interim Management Committee) equals Shame” and “We need development not imposition.”
“We will protest as long as it takes,” Austin stressed, adding that the community has the support of APNU.
While the protestors were firm in standing their ground for their cause, a small group was seen imbibing. The fact that the small group was consuming alcohol was confirmed after one man rushed to a photographer on site to indicate that he has video footage he could share with the media. In the process, he spilled his drink on the media operative.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Norman Whittaker, told the Guyana Chronicle that Ms. Williams was the assistant overseer for the Industry/ Plaisance NDC office.
He added that the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, in keeping with procedures, advertised the vacancy of overseer and two persons applied. “Ms. Williams did not apply,” he said.

The minister stated that an interview panel conducted their interviews and concluded that the successful applicant has the necessary qualifications and expertise required to fill the post.
Additionally, there was a minimal level of police presence on site monitoring the protest action.

(Vanessa Narine)