By Nafeeza Yahya 

In the East Berbice Corentyne area, voter turn-out was a bit low with no long line or overwhelming crowds at most polling stations for the historic Local Government Elections (LGE).

The majority of persons at one time were no more than 30 at a few polling stations with most having no lines at all. The three areas that had the largest turn out in terms of waiting line was Ankerville, Port Mourant at the Berbice Islamic School, Number 46 Village and Number 57 Village while Rose Hall Town had a reasonable turnout.

While there were some who went at the opening of polls, most persons started to trickle in around 8:00 hrs. In the Albion and Fyrish area voter turn-out was also low. In Rose Hall Town and Corriverton, businesses were opened; one business owner said some staff came in a bit late since they voted before going into work.

At various polling stations on the Corentyne Coast, many voters expressed disappointment since they turned up where they voted in the General Elections only to be told they had to vote elsewhere.

An elderly man said he was not going out to vote because of the long stairs to climb at one polling station and does not want to vote by proxy.

Meanwhile, speaking with Guyana Chronicle some persons appeared clueless on the nature of the elections and felt they were voting for the general elections. One woman who asked not to be name said: “Me vote fuh tek Granger out.”  She smiled and walked away; it was her first time voting in the LGE.

Another woman said: “if they know they keeping this election why them nah educate the people? More some people think this election just like the big one”.

At Number 46 Village, 70 – year – old Totaram Budhoo said this is the first time he is voting in the local government elections.  He said he feels proud to exercise his right and is optimistic that once the councillors are in position they will do the best for their communities.

He said also, it does not matter which government is in power, as long as councillors get the support from Central Government, communities will flourish. Meanwhile, at Number 56 Village, an 80 – year – old man said this is his second time voting at LGE. In most areas, LGE started on time, with a few minor hiccups.