Dear Editor
IN keeping with President Granger’s announcement that November 7, 2016 be observed as National Day of Villages, I must congratulate the regional administration – Region Three for not only observing but for celebrating that day in grand style. The celebration began at 10:30 hrs at the Den Amstel Community Ground with a cultural programme in which a number of Region Three artistes performed. The highlight of the programme was the message that was delivered by the Honourable Minister Winston Felix,in which he focused on the importance of unity, togetherness and cohesion. The event was attended by a massive crowd and even though the NDCs controlled by the PPP were instructed not to participate and overseers can confirm this, I must mention that the Wakenaam NDC, Leguan NDC, Mora – Parika NDC, Greenwich Park – Vergenoegen NDC, Tuschen – Uitvlugt Administration, Hague – Blankenburg NDC, Best Kline – Poudreyen NDC and Malgre Toute – Meer Zorgen NDC participated. What captivated me even more was the presence of five PPP RDC Councillors. This tells me that regardless of the unfortunate utterances by detractors who don’t want to see unity, people are not followers but rather leaders in their own right.
Editor, when the cultural programme had concluded, a number of games were played which included dominoes, cricket, football, volleyball and rounders. From my observations, NDCs really and truly got to know each other and even though the competitions were fierce, friendliness was the real theme that prevailed. The games ended at 20:30 hrs and it must be mentioned that the regional executive officer was present from start to finish.
Editor, you may ask the question why is it that I am giving an overview of the day’s activities? I willingly wish to answer. When this activity was conceptualised by the REO, all NDCs were invited to a meeting and they all said with bright smiles that it was a good gesture and further their participation, a must. As meetings continued leading up to the activity, I had noticed the absence of some NDCs and opted to inquire. It was indeed a shock when I found out that an instruction was sent out for them not to participate. The action of the instructor does not augur well for Region Three and by extension our country and it must be denounced completely. With the exception of two PPP RDC Councillors, all had indicated in one form or the other that not participating in the activity was not the best move and I guess that is exactly why five PPP councillors disobeyed the order. However, it must not be seen as a disobedience but moreso intolerance to division and acceptance of cohesion. I congratulate them for their bravery and humility.
In conclusion let me say with firmness that Region Three has been lifted from the nightmare it once found itself in and with continued togetherness, Unity and Cohesion, behaviours like that of the instructor will become obsolete. For the record, Julius Faerber,Regional Chairman, was not present even though he was slated to speak at the activity. My next letter will focus on a PPP RDC councillor who is threatening the Headteacher of a school in Region Three.
Regards
Ganesh Mahipaul