IT CAME as a surprise to her, but Member of Parliament (MP) for Region 10, Ms Valarie Patterson, says she is ready to serve as Minister within the Ministry of Communities, having responsibility for the housing sector.In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Patterson said she believes her appointment is a reward from God for her selfless service to the people of Guyana and Region 10.

“I take pride in serving the people, and I never look for reward; and I am highly motivated to give my service to people without looking for anything in return.”

Being an Apostle, she said, the scripture, “If you do things with a good heart and with a positive mindset, the rewards will come” has been fulfilled in her being appointed MP and, more recently, Government Minister.

Patterson revealed that President Granger told her, upon notifying her of the position, that he was confident she would be able to bring solutions to the current issues facing the housing sector within the Ministry.

Being cognisant of these issues, the Member of Parliament said, she is committed to bringing a semblance of order and progress to the Ministry, since she is a go-getter and does not stop until she is satisfied with the results.

“I am aware that there are many persons who have applied and paid for their house lots for a number of years, and (they) are still waiting for a response; and as a political leader, I cannot understand how the system is so sluggish in issuing house lots to persons,” she said.

Patterson believes that, having an inside influence now, she will be able to effectively serve the people in this capacity by having the process expedited. She is of the opinion that housing is an important aspect of development, and the Government must get it right in order to move the country forward.

ADVOCATING CHANGE
Patterson mentioned the policy of marriage being a requirement to be issued a house lot. She disagrees with this policy, and says she would be advocating change as she believes everyone, despite their relationship status, should be issued a house lot, provided they meet the basic requirements.

“I am not sure, but if this is a national policy, I will be advocating change; because, if a young, unmarried person is ambitious and can afford to build a home, they should not have to satisfy any requirement of being married,” Patterson posited.

With the availability of abundant land and willing young applicants, she would like to establish housing schemes around the country, she said.

The newly-appointed minister will be taking up the position to serve the people of Guyana and not the people of Linden, as is believed by many Lindeners. Even though her heart is in Linden – and according to her, Linden will still be her base – Patterson is resolved that her focus would not be solely on Linden, but on all Guyana.

“People are already calling me to complain about their land issues, and though I will be considering these challenges, I cannot divert all of my attention to Linden, as it would not be fair to my fellow Guyanese who are facing similar challenges,” she said.

STILL FOR LINDEN
She also wants to notify the people of Linden that she would still be acting in the capacity of regional MP, and is fully capable of handling both roles.

“I have a vision for Linden and Region 10, and I will be working to materialise this vision,” she said. The newly-appointed Minister of Communities will no longer hold the position of CEO for the Linden Enterprise Network, and will be sworn in as Minister on Wednesday, December 6, 2015.