…as major parties submit lists

By Rabindra Rooplall
The day was quiet and it was as if very few on the Essequibo Coast knew it was Nomination Day as a carefree attitude was predominant as the two major political parties contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) presented their lists of candidates to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the various stations across the coast.

There was an absence of individual candidates vying for leadership of the respective municipalities or Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) between the hours of 10:00h-to 14:00h. The Essequibo Local Area Authorities included Evergreen/ Paradise at Mavis Payman Residence Perth Essequibo Coast, Aberdeen/ Zorg-En-Vlygt at Queenstown Primary School, Annandale/ Riverstown NDC office Suddie, Pomona/ Good Hope in Huist Dieren and Charity- Urasara at Charity Registration Office.
A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were both optimistic about their chances at securing top spots at the March 18 Local Government Elections. According to APNU candidate and present IMC Chairman of Anna Regina, Mark McLean, there are no losers in the LGE since Guyana is at a mature stage to realise that society benefits from all the positive plans being implemented by the authorities.

“Participation was done in all the NDC’s and the municipality and once elected the APNU knows there is a great need for improvements in overall management of resources to benefit all at the community level,” McLean explained. “There is also need for more open Governance instead of the usual closed door dealings that make decisions that affect all but are only made by a few behind closed doors.”
He said citizens need to be less dependent on the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) for all their needs as is presently the situation as such when the local organs are fully independent and functional more can be done for all residents in all communities. McLean represented his party in the constituency and municipality. APNU candidate Audrey Garraway, 45 of Westbury, Essequibo Coast said once elected she would advocate for job opportunities and developmental investments for the many unemployed youths along the Essequibo Coast. “We need more opportunities for the youths and transparency in decision making so that

members of the various communities can understand and benefit directly,” Ms Garraway said. Ms Garraway represented the party in the constituency and municipality.
Another APNU candidate Yonette Obermuller, 32, of Lima, Essequibo Coast said: “we want a process where all people are involved in decision making to develop their communities. We want programmes to develop the youths so that the communities can flourish so unemployment can be low and we all can have a good life.”

She explained that plans must be put in place not to benefit a few and allow others to suffer, but strategies that will address the present difficulties on the Essequibo Coast holistically.
Rice woes

Meanwhile, PPP/C representatives all underscored their concerns about the rice industry which they deem inter-connected. Rabindranauth Mohan, 55, of Lot 52 Bushlot New Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast who was once Deputy Mayor in 1994 said the PPP is confident in winning the municipality and majority of the NDC’s. Mohan said when an official is elected there needs to be a vision for the Anna Regina township and a restructuring of the property tax which will sustain the development of the town and various NDC communities. The Rice Producers Association (PRA) official also said there is need for a review of strategies and production methods for rice farmers since unnecessary value-added costs can be cut through proper drainage and irrigation along with cheap fuel and fertilizers.
Another PPP candidate and businessman Toolsie Narine, 59, of 79 Anna Regina New Housing Scheme said the party is in a good position to win the township and the rice industry which is an integral part of Essequibo needs to be supported to produce on a less stressful scale. He said there is need for cricket clubs, playgrounds and external investments and opportunities to benefit all along the Essequibo coast. The former IMC Chairman said there is dire need for employment for the youths and the creation of new industries and opportunities are the only way to advance the region.
Darshan Persaud, 40, of Devonshire Castle Essequibo Coast said there is need for more opportunities for young people in the region. “The PPP is in a winning position and when officials are elected many steps need to be taken to make sure the many communities benefit from the plans and visions for all,” he said.
According to GECOM officials, any List of Candidates submitted by any political party, voluntary group or individual candidate on Nomination Day without the required pre-approved symbol will be deemed defective and the defaulting party would be ineligible to contest the LGE.