THE Ministry of Communities has initiated discussions with the Region One (Barima/Waini) Regional Democratic Council to define the boundaries of Mabaruma, a hinterland community Government has identified to be transformed into a township.Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams and a team of representatives from the Ministry of Communities and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission were given a warm welcome when they recently made a two-day visit to the North-West community to hold
discussions with regional officials and interact with residents of several communities, including Wauna, Tobago, Kumaka and Hosororo, who have all expressed interest in having their communities included in the boundaries of Mabaruma.

These residents also offered many ideas for the development of their communities. In fact, many issues affecting them, such as the inadequacy of the healthcare system, the delivery of education, and living conditions were raised by citizens at a public meeting.

To better understand the challenges facing the health sector in the North-West community, the Minister visited the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, and also met with the regional member of parliament and the regional chairman, who both expressed commitment to working with the administration of the hospital, the regional executive officer, and the minister of public health to address the needs of the hospital and the residents.

The minister is of the view that a lot of work needs to transform Mabaruma into a township. However, this is a task the government is prepared to undertake with the people of Region One to bring development to the hinterland, she said.

Being a former head teacher, Minister Hastings-Williams is of the opinion that education is critical for development. And therefore improving healthcare delivery and education in the hinterland have been prioritised.

A tree-planting exercise at the Mabaruma Secondary School was among the number of activities carried out by the minister.

(Navendra Seoraj)