MINISTER in the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, has concluded a series of community meetings in the Santa Rosa Sub-District, Region One.Over two days, on December 4-5, the Minister held engagements in the communities of Assakata, Kamwatta, Kwebanna, Mora, Parakeese, Santa Cruz, and Warapoka.

During these engagements, the minster brought the residents up to date on the current situation in the country, including the President’s decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament.
The residents were told of the reason why the President took such action, as he and his administration were confronted with a no-confidence motion once Parliament would have resumed. He explained that in suspending the 10th Parliament, the Head of State created room for all political parties to have meaningful dialogue. Unfortunately, the Opposition Leader David Granger declined the President’s invitation to have talks.
The Minister also sought to enlighten the residents as to why the combined Opposition arrived at a no-confidence motion. The Motion stemmed from the fact that the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh had restored some of the money that was cut by the Opposition.
“Even though we have the largest number of seats in Parliament,” Minister Edghill told residents, “the combined Opposition, when they combine their voting strength in the Parliament, they have one seat more than the PPP/C.”
Minister Edghill went on to inform the residents that for three successive years, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the combined Opposition denied Amerindian communities and the Guyanese nation as a whole of billions of dollars worth in development.
“This year was the worst for Amerindians,” he said, “because all of the money for the Amerindian Development Fund, Presidential Grants and the money for paying Community Support Officers, who are helping to develop the communities, were cut.”
Minister Edghill explained that while there is a Government bringing development in keeping with the desires of citizens, there is the combined Opposition which is taking developments away from the people.

Further, the Minister sought to remind the residents of the many transformative projects, which their communities have benefited from since the PPP/C administration came into power.
He pointed out that for years under a different government the rights of Guyana’s indigenous people were neglected and trampled on. However, the PPP/C through its many programmes and policies has brought not only development through the Presidential Grants, and Community Development Programmes, but they also restored dignity to Guyana’s first people.
Mention was made of this year’s cuts to the National budget, which saw the combined opposition voting against funds for the specialty hospital project, the Amaila Falls Hydro project, and money to rehabilitate several hinterland airstrips.
Nevertheless, the Minister called on residents to continue to play their role in the development of their communities, and their country.
He urged them to work along with their village leaders as Government continues to provide the necessary framework for development.
Meanwhile at each meeting, residents were given the opportunity to raise issues that are affecting them. At Kamwatta, the residents took the opportunity to thank the administration for the developments their community has seen over the years.
The residents inquired about projects they have submitted for approval for which the Minister promised to intervene.
At Kwebanna, residents called on the Administration to look into the possibility of bringing some early relief to their road issues. Another issue raised at the meetings was that of land titles and extensions. (GINA)