THE Bartica Independence Green Alliance (BIGA) is set to contest the Local Government Elections with the primary objective of transforming Bartica into a ‘green town’ once voted into office at the level of the Mayor and Town Council.
BIGA, the brainchild of Holbert Knights, was established in November 2015 as a direct response to President David Granger’s call for the transformation of Bartica into a “green town.”
Today, the alliance has a rapidly growing base as new members are signing up every day at its Second Avenue location in Bartica.

BIGA Chairman Knights, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said the alliance took a decision to contest the elections in response to the cries of the people.
“BIGA [was] driven to contest the elections based on feedback received from the main demographic, who indicated that there is discontent with the current leadership in Bartica. The people are more open to the idea of choosing leaders that reflect their choice, rather than a proportionate representation that is currently being displayed,” Knights explained.
According to him, the alliance constitutes individuals who are not only highly skilled in every aspect of sustainable development, but are ready to act based on the demands of the people and not a selected few. “These individuals are dedicated to moving Bartica forward to greater heights,” Knights emphasised.
ALL NINE CONSTITUENCIES
BIGA will be contesting all nine constituencies in Bartica in both components of the elections: Proportional Representation and First-Past-the-Post, once its symbol has been approved by the Guyana Elections Commission.

The symbol, which is still awaiting the approval of GECOM, comprises a batel,a tower, a rising sun, three rivers and greenery.
“The batel and gold represent our mining history and background. It also symbolises the main economic activity driving the economy of Bartica – mining. The tower represents the shift towards newer and more efficient use of technology, especially in education and mining,” the Chairman explained.
He said further that the rising sun symbolises the dawn of a new beginning for Bartica, especially with regard to the President’s initiative towards making Bartica a model town, while the vegetation reinforces the alliance’s commitment to the environment, even in mining.
“The three rivers represent our unique geographical positioning on the confluence of the Essequibo, Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers, and it is also a testament to our tourism potential,” he added.
OUT-OF-THE-BOX INITIATIVES
If voted into office, Knights said BIGA will attend to the social, economic and environmental needs of the people, adding that the alliance will bring out-of-the-box initiatives to diversify the town’s economic landscape.
“BIGA is also committed to providing social services that have never been dealt with by any previous administration before.  We recognise the need to ensure that our most important resource, our human resource, is treated with the highest regard as we move forward to create a stronger and healthier society. Economically, we will be focusing on creating linkages, while modernising the local agricultural sector. We will be looking at the establishment of green houses and food-processing industries,” he noted.
Moreover, the alliance intends to give more attention to the elderly and physically challenged populations, while sourcing scholarships for the gifted and talented.

“We are committed to ensuring the youths of Bartica have a well-rounded education. As such, focus is highlighted on sporting activities as being an important part of their development. We will be implementing the use of newer and more efficient technology in education and business,” Knights asserted.
He said also that the alliance takes seriously, the responsibility of protecting the environment.
“We believe it is vital that everyone has access to clean water, clean air and green spaces. We want to hand our community down to the next generation in a better condition than when we were children.”
BIGA is reportedly the only voluntary group in Bartica that is likely to contest the long awaited Local Government Elections on March 18. The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition powered by the Energetic New Vibrant Youth (ENVY) group and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) are among those contesting local government elections in Bartica.  Local government polls had not been run off in Guyana since 1994.

By Svetlana Marshall