HEAD of State Donald Ramotar, who visited several Region 8 communities on April 20 and 21, was warmly greeted when he met with hundreds of residents in meetings over the two days. The first day saw the President meeting residents of Kopinang, Kurukubaru, and Kato, and making stops at Paramakatoi and Monkey Mountain the following day. The President was accompanied

by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and party candidate Africo Selman.  The improvements to the residents’ quality of life through Government’s interventions over the years were among issues highlighted by the President. These included the availability of better healthcare, access to education through establishment of new schools and dormitories, guaranteed rights via the Amerindian Act, more employment opportunities, provision of education, and solar panels for electricity and more.
Older residents were reminded of their circumstances which obtained during the previous administration of the People’s National Congress (PNC), now APNU/AFC, by President Ramotar. “Remember what your school was like. You had to build your own school and had no resources. You had mud floors; you had no proper facilities to develop your communities. You really had no chance as you were living on subsistence agriculture”.
The residents were reminded of the fact that it not only they who suffered, but the entire country virtually collapsed due to the then government’s poor leadership.
The President was personally thanked for many of the improvements made, such as the extension of the nursery and primary schools, solar panels for electricity, and the building of the new secondary school catering to students of Kopinang and Kato. It was noted that All Terrain Vehicles and 4×4 pickups for transportation have also benefited residents, along with radio sets to boost communication.
Government is building the $780M Kato secondary School that will cater for 400 students from that village and surrounding communities. Its accompanying dormitory will accommodate about 250 students. The modern institution is nearing completion. Late in 2014, the Paramakatoi Primary School was commissioned, providing a conducive learning environment for its students.
All students in the region are benefiting from the Government’s school uniform and school feeding programmes, leading to more children accessing education. They were also beneficiaries of the $10,000 education grant.

Meanwhile, senior leaders of the communities spoke of the overall improvements to the lives of residents and pledged their support , in order to continue the path of progress and positive change that the various communities are undergoing.
Asked about his views on his visit across the region, the President said he was very pleased with the response from residents of the far-flung communities. “The response was tremendous. I really did enjoy the meetings because I had the opportunity to be much more intimate with the people, and I am very pleased with the response I had. Our support in the interior has been growing considerably.”
The handing over of grants to the various communities such as Monkey Mountain were acknowledged, with residents informing the President of their plans to use the money for various sustainable projects.
Some of the communities were also able to showcase various projects being undertaken with funds provided under the grant package to their communities. With regard to this, President Ramotar said he was pleased that the money allocated via the grants were being used effectively.
“Many of them (grants) have been used well. In one case, a ranch was built. It is a thriving ranch now with many cattle there. Some of them had asked for tractors and equipment. Many of those that I have seen, I am extremely happy with, to see that it is helping to increase the capacity of the village economy.”
Some residents took the opportunity to highlight issues facing their communities and the President promised to offer assistance to address the concerns raised. Many of the residents also expressed their appreciation to the Head of State for his visit to their communities and pledged their support, especially at the upcoming elections, so as to continue the progress and development of their region.
Region 8 residents are benefiting from Government’s Hinterland Electrification Programme, through the provision of solar home systems. Communities such as Princeville,

Micobie, Maikwak, Kato, Kaibarupai and Kopinang are among those benefiting from improved health facilities.
Now travelling to Region 8 has been made easier and less time consuming with the coming into being of the 71-mile road that links it to Region 9. Residents can now easily transport their produce for sale in the busy hub of Lethem in Region 9. (GINA)