BARTICA, which is to be proclaimed a town, should benefit from the collection of royalties once its borders are extended to include quarries and logging concessions, in order to transform its economic landscape.According to Region 7 Chairman Gordon Bradford, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, towns are known for depending on government subventions, but Bartica could become independent with the collection of royalties.

He said further that the collection of rates and taxes would not likely be sufficient to sustain the town. “We would like to be independent as much as possible.”

EXTENSION OF BOUNDARIES
Bartica has applied for an extension of its boundaries, and if the extension is granted, all quarries within the region would be included, taking in BK Quarry, Big Hope Quarry, Durban Quarry and St. Mary’s Quarry, in addition to a number of small logging concessions. The new boundary, which extends the community’s borders to almost three times the current size, would also include Marshall Falls, the Regional Chairman said.

“We have made an application for an extension of the village boundaries; we have gone to about 14 square miles. Bartica at present is 5 square miles, and so we hope to go to approximately 14 square miles. So the township will now take in all the quarries that we have in the Mazaruni,” Bradford had said in a previous interview with the press.

The Region 7 Chairman told this newspaper that an arrangement similar to what obtains in indigenous communities should be put in place to benefit the impending mining town.

During the period 2006-2011, approximately $49M were collected in royalties for mining in Indigenous communities. By 2012, the royalties were transferred to these communities.

Bradford further contended that similar arrangements should have been in place for the region, since, in spite of its wealth of minerals, it is the “most underdeveloped and poorest region.”

Considering Bartica’s impending township status, Bradford said a major infrastructural upgrade is needed, from rehabilitation of roads to the establishment of proper market facilities. He noted, too, that the supply of water and health services within Bartica must be improved as well.

“The transition plans are many, because we have to look at every aspect of development, from village status to township status. We look at our infrastructure and we have to improve upon that. Of course it won’t be done within this given time frame that we have.”

TOWNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Bradford said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) are currently engaging the public, “trying to get as many people on board.”

“We can only do that by educating them about the responsibilities when we become a town. We have to educate our people on the laws of the township also, because we have been living in a village status for so long, it is obvious things will change,” he added.

Alluding to President David Granger’s vision for Bartica to be transformed into a “Green Town,” Bradford said residents have commenced the planting of trees. “In certain strategic areas — school compounds, along our streets and so on — we have started planting not only decorative plants, but fruit trees and so on… We want to bring back the days when going to school (one could) stop here and there to pick fruits,” he said.

And Gifford Marshall, one of the regional councillors, has told Guyana Chronicle that the residents of Bartica are eagerly awaiting the status of township. He says it is long overdue.

“It is a known fact that Bartica is a beautiful land with beautiful people. It is undoubtedly one of South America’s major tourist attractions, and (is) the gateway to some of the world’s most valuable natural resources – gold and diamond. So it’s our belief that our township status will benefit Guyana economically, politically and socially,” Marshall said.

He said that while President Granger and his administration are moving ahead with their plans for the community, work on the ground is moving a little slowly. He noted that residents and regional officials definitely need to play “catchup.” Nevertheless, he said that some residents have formed themselves in groups with the aim of enhancing their communities.

TOURISM DESTINATION
“I am presently working with a small group of youths with the express purpose of promoting Bartica as a tourism destination. We have just completed a few promotional materials, and will very soon be releasing some “whopping” promotional materials.”

President Granger, during his visit to Bartica in June, had announced that the mining community would gain township status by April 23, 2016, in keeping with an Ordinance made by the British Government some 178 years ago.