By Margaret Burke

Part 2

IN Part 1 of this feature, some of the issues facing Victoria were discussed, and it was noted that the villagers were experiencing a somewhat slumbering village economy.

The CDC Programme is geared primarily to assist rural and urban communities as well as organisations to become much more structured; in some cases, broken up into smaller, more manageable units for greater efficiency.

Essentially, this programme was set up as a bridge between Government and community, with the Government providing monetary grants and technical support, while the community provided human resources and largely volunteer services.

In simple terms, it is written that the mission of the CDC should be viewed as: Assisting the needy; Bonding the people, and connecting the community. Thus the CDC has emerged, determined to identify and address community needs — which include caring for the vulnerable; taking care of the environment; promoting and advancing community development through economic activities, social and cultural ventures, education and training; and also by way of construction or maintenance of public infrastructure for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Ernest Elliot, Assistant Director of Community Development, noted that the programme was first established in Guyana as a Government-led programme under the Forbes Burnham Administration prior to independence. It was created as a department under the Ministry of Local Government, and was then headed by Mrs Sybil Patterson. However, the programme has gone through several changes under different administrations, and is now at a stage of being reorganised for more effectiveness.

Mr. Elliot, representative for the East Coast Demerara communities stretching from Abary Bridge to Conversation Tree, and for certain communities in Regions One and Two, said the CDC was established to strengthen the home and, by extension, the community.

VISION OF THE VILLAGE LEADERS
Victoria is a village with many leaders, some of whom are considered elders of the village; all have a focus on different aspects of the community. Some of them are currently not living within the community, while others are overseas. Nonetheless, they all desire to see the village regain its prosperity, and would do whatever they can to see this materialise.

Mr Errol Luke, Chairman of the Victoria CDC, is one such leader and elder within the village. He spoke of his vision to see the restoration of the village economy, which in turn would foster greater social change; enhance cultural activities; and encourage greater involvement in sports, education, training, and faith-based advancement through engagement and meaningful participation of members of the community.

Mr. Luke, a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana at Turkeyen and Tain campuses and a lecturer at the Guyana School of Agriculture, besides being a board member of the President’s College and being very involved in leadership within his church, still finds time to invest in plans and programmes which would see the community being a better place.

Among the great lineup of Victoria leaders who are worthy of mention because of their concern and high hopes and expectation for the village are Messrs. Joseph Barlow, Claude Saul, Abraham Poole, Donald Ainsworth, Attorney Rexford Jackson, renowned Land Surveyor Rutherford, Ivor Thom; and Mrs. Sharon Wickham and Vona-Lou Caleb-Drayton.

In the final part of this feature, readers will get a better understanding of the part some of these people play in the village.

CDC AND THE EAST COAST COMMUNITY
Ever since commencement of the programme, Victoria and many other communities along the East Coast of Demerara have become beneficiaries of this programme. Outstanding in Victoria is the Middle Walk Road, which was built by self-help. Day after day, the villagers volunteered their services to build the road. For a prolonged period of time, many of them went to do self-help work on the road in the afternoons after a hard day’s work on the farm or elsewhere. More than a mile long, this road remains as the main road in the village; and though not now in the best condition, it still stands.

The technical know-how and the necessary materials were provided by the government of the day. There were many other benefits derived for the village from the CDC.

Many other villages on the Demerara East Coast have benefited from infrastructural development effected by the CDC. Outstanding among these are Golden Grove for its secondary school and Melanie Damishana for its housing scheme. All these infrastructural developments were done by self-help, aided by the Government.

VICTORIA AS A BENEFICIARY
There is much work yet to be done before Victoria and Victorians can begin to feel some amount of economic liberation as a people. However, there is hope, with a lot to look forward for, although expectations would depend on the village leaders being able to motivate their people to become involved and then ensure that there is a high level of sustainability.

The village of Victoria is deep, like so many of the villages on the Demerara East Coast. It stretches for many miles inland, starting from the seawall at the front and ending way down into the backdam.

CATTLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The contract specifically provides for a ten-year cattle development plan for meat and milk production within the village. This programme entailed the documentation of over 500 acres of common state land for development of the beef and dairy cattle industry.

This programme, for which budget preparation has already been done, involves clearing and excavating farm land for growing of crops, rearing of small and large ruminants and fish farming, as well as the development of over 500 acres of common state land.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Among the work already started for the village through the CDC is a six-month contract for the cleaning and maintenance of the main irrigation and drainage canals and streets in the community. This contract was awarded by the NDIA to the CDC, and has been successfully completed.

Some of the main activities are empoldering, bridge construction, pasture establishment and fencing, construction of cattle facilities and ranch house; the furbishing of drains, bridges and all-weather roads, and the installation of proper water systems.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND COTTAGE INDUSTRY
Plans are also afoot to improve and revitalise the breeds of livestock, the rehabilitation of coconut plantation, as well as the resuscitation of other permanent crops. In addition, there are also plans on stream for the establishment of a cottage industry for value-added production of farm produce; the establishment of a dairy milk plant, and a slaughtering unit. Included in the entire programme is also a plan to establish a community market where not only villagers would benefit, but also extended communities.

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
It is said that too much work and no play makes “Jack a dull boy”. The Victoria decision-makers may have given thought to this, and so have on stream great expectations to see their plans come to fruition with the establishment of a recreational park between GRECO and the kindergarten school, and renovation of the Victoria Community Centre and Park -– all with decorative and other amenities.

THE INFERENCE
Successes in the villages such as Victoria are primarily based on a well-consulted, motivated set of people in the village, who may then influence those who do not understand. There are always those in the latter category.

Studies have proven that rural areas are often some of the most deprived in the country, and therefore should always be supported by experienced community development systems.

Most rural communities in Guyana are farm-based, and many are seen as underprivileged and sometimes extremely poor; yet, in many case, within these communities lie some of the greatest resources for development. Therefore, a range of approaches and activities which are aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of these people must be addressed. To this end, people of these villages must not be allowed only to express their concerns, but be empowered to make decisions for the improvement of their lives and livelihoods.

It must be that, as the promoter of social change, the CDC has the capabilities to achieve sustainable change in the lives of the people for whom they make provision; the promotion of marketable and sustainable farms; the economic empowerment of the families, especially for women and girls; creating an atmosphere of social cohesion and general education…leaning towards the academics, moral education, domestic violence, illicit drug use, sex education, and the value of life. These positive changes must be accomplished, and that within the shortest space of time.

The final part of the feature will look at how the people of Victoria spend their time; forms of relaxation, including sports, culture and drama… the role some of the significant people of the village play in sports, art and drama will also be dealt with.