MINISTER in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, who was invited by residents of Green Valley, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), held a successful engagement with residents of that community where he lauded them for their efforts to engage in dialogue. The meeting, which was well attended, was held at the Fruits of the Valley Assembly of God church.

Edghill said other Lindeners should follow suit with the culture of dialogue, which will ultimately prove beneficial to them.
“I’m overjoyed to come to be with you… it is a meeting that I didn’t ask for and when people from Region Ten request to see me, I can’t say no.”
He noted that such a request should never be turned down by any good leader or person in authority moreso the Government as they have a responsibility to citizens.
The minister emphasised the importance of dialogue in moving a society forward.
“…The Government, we believe in dialogue, we believe that discussion and dialogue is important to move Guyana forward, it is important for the resolution and managing of conflict.”
Reference was made of civil wars and other major conflicts around the world which all had to be resolved around a table, and through dialogue.
“I do believe that all of us here want the same thing, we want prosperity, safety, the welfare of our senior citizens and jobs…but where we end up with conflicts is the route that we choose to get there, the methods we employ,”
Edhgill also acknowledged the fact that any community has its own views, political affiliation and opinion, all of which are equally important to that community’s development.
However while there are differences in opinions, he urged the residents to see each other’s view, in spite of how different it may be, but in a constructive way that will bring development to their community.
“Disagreement is not a bad thing. It allows us to see that which didn’t exist before. Once I listen I can appreciate…we see things in different ways, and everybody brings something different, and you here bring a perspective that can benefit you, and the Government brings something that can benefit you, as well as other stakeholders.”

He reminded residents that what is important is how the information and views shared can benefit Lindeners.
Meanwhile, Green Valley residents used the opportunity to raise several issues affecting them.
Some of these issues include land titling, street lights, drainage and culverts and proper roads.
On the issue of the land titling, residents informed the minister, that over five years ago they made payments to the Central Housing and Planning Authority, but to date they have not received their titles.
The residents also provided the minister with a list of persons who made payments and the minister gave an undertaking to investigate and provide a feedback.
The residents were assured that an intervention will be made as it relates to street lighting, and the road issues.
Residents also enquired about the possibility of the One Lap Top Per Family programme continuing.
They also asked the minister for his intervention into the possibility of an area to be identified for a playfield for the community.
The minister advised that the residents make the necessary application and the process will be taken from there.

(GINA)