Volunteers transport Ann’s Grove voters
Some of the APNU candidates in the Grove/Haslington district pose for Guyana Chronicle photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson at the party’s office at Breezy Point in Ann’s Grove
Some of the APNU candidates in the Grove/Haslington district pose for Guyana Chronicle photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson at the party’s office at Breezy Point in Ann’s Grove

By Shauna Jemmott

DESPERATE for development, residents of Ann’s Grove and its environs put up a united front for local government victory on Friday when vehicle owners and drivers offered to transport voters to polling stations a community away.Villagers worked overtime to ensure that all senior citizens were transported comfortably in taxis and private cars in order that they might exercise their franchise, while younger voters were taken in buses and Canter trucks to polling stations at Hope Secondary and Primary schools.

Those dwelling in the Two Friends/Doch Four/Hope constituency were required to travel to Hope Secondary and Primary schools, located miles away, to participate in the Local Government Elections (LGE), held for the first time in 22 years.

The entire community consists of constituencies within Two Friends/Doch Four/Hope; Green Field and Bee Hive; and Ann’s Grove/Clonbrook. While some residents were overheard saying they were discouraged by the distance, many became more interested when the free transportation service began operating from 09:00hrs until the close of poll at18:00hrs.

APNU+AFC Proportional Representation candidate Tracie James told the Guyana Chronicle that transportation was available to take voters who resided in Two Friends Village to their polling stations at Hope Secondary, and those who live at Doch Four to their polling station at Hope Primary School. “Some people will be discouraged because of transportation (as a result of) the distance and finance I guess, so that is why we thought of having transportation for them to go and come. We are not gonna leave them in the desert. We’re gonna take them and bring them back,” the candidate said.

She explained that while some voters responded positively to the LGE from the inception, younger voters seemed not to understand what it was about.

“People who are educated about Local Government Elections are coming out, and people who are not knowledgeable of Local Government Elections — that would be like people who are young — because for like 23 years we did not have that, so they don’t really understand until you explain to them and let them know how important it is to come out and vote.”

A candidate in the Clonbrook/Ann’s Grove constituency, Kamaladeen Balmacoon, was anxious about the elections, but said some people have shown little or no interest in the LGE.

Road repairs, upgrading of two existing recreational centres, improvements in drainage and irrigation, and an agricultural boost within the communities are just a few of the plans Balmacoon has for his constituency.

Jean Herod, another candidate who has been sitting on the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for quite some time, said she would be pleased to take her experience as councillor to the new council, so that she can help guide new councillors.

 

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