— Broomes tells residents of earmarked town

THE Golden Arrowhead was on Thursday hoisted in Campbelltown, Mahdia, amid celebratory cheers with Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry Simona Broomes promising residents that good things are in store for them.
Speaking to a favourable crowd who braved the threatening showers to show their support for this national occasion, Broomes clad in a Golden Arrowhead dress and shoes, told the residents she is happy to celebrate Guyana’s 51st independence anniversary with them, since she is a Mahdian by heart.
Broomes said Mahdia has come a long way since the 2015 general elections but a lot more is in store for the community, which is earmarked for township status.

“I know Mahdia. I love Mahdia and I cannot wait for that moment to come. You, I know, would want that moment to be hastened too, that moment when Mahdia will take its place alongside the other towns of our country,” Broomes said.
Taking the residents down memory lane, the Natural Resources Minister reminded them of the community’s rich history and its dependence on mining which has resulted in it being a cosmopolitan community, comprising both Guyanese and foreigners.
In the past, however, as the challenges of mining increased, things began to take a slippery slope. Broomes reminded the residents that the former administration had marginalised the community. Efforts are now being made to repair the road linking the Denham Suspension Bridge over the Garraway Stream, which links Mahdia and Bartica.
“Comrades and friends, I trust that you will accept my apology for turning my presentation into a history lesson, I thought however, that it would be good for us to remind ourselves that this community has a rich history and I think that it is entirely appropriate that we utilise this the 51st anniversary for our country’s independence to reflect a bit on your community,” she posited.

BE OPTIMISTIC
She also encouraged the residents to be optimistic on what is to come.
“For with township beckoning and with the investment in infrastructure being a commitment from your government, you can rely on progress and growth.”
Similar sentiments were precipitated by Regional Executive Officer (acting) Gavin Gounga, who also spoke of the progress the community has seen, especially in the area of

infrastructure, since the APNU+AFC Government was elected to office. “Here in Region Eight, we have seen where we came from and where we are and I hope we all can see where we are going. We had laterite road, now we are having concrete road, a major development after just two years of Government which is transforming this country and this region as we can see, our Government is working and working tirelessly to change the lives of every Guyanese,” he told the residents, while encouraging them to also play their roles in Mahdia’s development.
“We as citizens in this country, we also have to continue to work hand-in-hand, cooperate to build this nation, we cannot expect government to do everything,” the acting REO posited.
The residents were also reminded by a representative of the Mahdia Gold Mining Association of the benefits of mining syndicates. There are two in the community. These associations, residents were told, will foster development for the small miners and by extension the development of Mahdia.
The flag-raising ceremony saw an array of cultural performances by students of the Mahdia Primary, Secondary and the Mahdia School of Excellence.
The children grabbed the attention of the crowd with their dances, dramatic pieces and folk and national songs. Following a march-past by the Guyana Police Force, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted at midnight.