Dear Editor,
As I have said before in one of my missives that I will only reply to Harry Gill if he speaks of issues that deal with the development of the region and not personal attacks. So, I will like to response to a letter written by this MP in Kaieteur News’ letter column dated 14\6\2017 under the heading: “This Region 5 Councillor is an embarrassment to the APNU+AFC Govt”.
Let me remind Harry Gill that as long there are developments happening you can label me anything, I will not fall that easy. In Region 5, development is happening and the CORE project is yet another programme that will see the beautification of villages. I must applaud the Hon. Minister David Patterson and Annette Ferguson for another “A” plus initiative in getting the CORE programme started.
Now to educate MP Harry Gill as to what CORE means. CORE stands for Community Organise to Restore the Environment. The aim of CORE is to ensure that communities are being kept clean and enhanced so that the beautification of the area is seen as pleasing and welcoming to visitors as we seek to promote a “Green Economy”.
So, the CORE workers have all rights to slash and clean up where needs enhancement. They have been working in various villages over the past month. They have done work in No.27, Forth Wellington, Woodley Park, Bath Waterloo and Hopetown. Harry Gill seems to be upset that the communities are looking good and welcoming to all. I know Harry Gill as a PPP leftover votes MP will want to see overgrown bushes in all the areas but that won’t happen, Harry.
I must also say that I am very thankful for the interest shown by this MP for visiting the CORE workers while they were on duty. But what I am upset at the lies that this MP told the workers just to take out pictures with them. Harry Gill told the workers that he is from overseas and that he will like to take out a few pictures with them so that he can take back and show the people how hard Guyanese can work. He asked the workers to pose so that he can take the pictures. Imagine this MP barefacedly lied to the workers to ensure he has his ways.
He mentioned that the CORE workers were used to enhance the street where Carol Joseph lives and the street leading up to my house. Well, Harry Gill, you need to understand those are the state streets, likewise the one next to Freedom House at Bath that was rebuilt about a month ago. Did you question as to why the NDC proposed that street to be done and not the tens of others that are in very bad shape?
The CORE workers will clean where have to be clean. Under the PPP, the CIIP workers were used during the 2015 elections to slash and clean around Freedom House, to wash Freedom House, etc at Bath. Did you question the PPP as to, why the workers were not used to clean the drains that need cleaning? NO.
I don’t know what you call misused authority because the CORE workers do what they have to do and that is to enhance the community. CORE workers do not have to go where you go. It was our plan to clean those streets in Woodley Park. The school street was part of the plan and so the workers had to wait until school was in session before they could have started working on the street shoulders.
What amazes me is the way you rush to take pictures of my house and threatened my family to send people to take care of things. I should let you know that as a young politician I have NO fear. So, I am not afraid of you and the PPP personal targets on me, but my family is out of this. This is how the PPP is, as long as they cannot get to the person, they drive fear into the lives of the family members.
I will continue to be strong and work for the betterment and development of my region and its people. I will continue to represent the people’s interest. I will continue to stand with the people to ensure there are developments and positive things happening.
The PPP MP who gained a seat in Parliament by leftover votes must stop lying to the nation and see things the way they are. The MP is calling on the Minister of Communities and the leader of the AFC to rein in me.
Well, I must let you know the AFC does not direct government workers what to do and where to do it. The PPP was doing that and that is why we are in this mess today. The PPP government was harassing people who speak for their rights. Today, people won and that is why many can stage a protest and talk openly. If this MP thinks that by cleaning the community is a bad thing, then let it be. Development will continue to happen under this APNU+AFC government no matter what the PPP tries to do. Region 5 will continue to develop and move positively forward no matter what Harry Gill or the PPP think or say. We will continue to work so that there can be betterment and a Good Life For All including this MP.
Regards
Abel Seetaram