Dear Editor
THE Regional Administration hosted its first ever village day in Region 2 on Tuesday, November 7th at the Queenstown Community Centre ground. The wide range of cultural presentations and sporting disciplines were in recognition of the Ministry of Communities designated National Village Day. There were over one hundred and fifty (150) participants who came from several Amerindian villages and missions, including Mashabo, St. Monica, Capoey, Mainstay, Akawini and Wakapoa. Also in attendance were representatives of the various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) including Aberdeen/ Zorg en Vlygt, Evergreen/ Paradise, Charity/Urasara, Good Hope/Pomona and Annandale/Riverstown.

The Anna Regina Town Council was also represented at the well coordinated and colorful spectacle, despite the intervention of the inclement weather. I was indeed impressed with the organization, particularly of the Hinterland contingents who were all well uniformed and were very keen to engage in the day of activities. The proceedings began with prayers then the reciting of the national pledge. Thereafter, the Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Roop Kumar Persaud welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation and delivered greetings on behalf of the RDC. He also took the opportunity to deliver brief remarks. His presentation highlighted the Administration’s support and commitment towards fostering greater unity among villages while encouraging them to be agents of transformation. He further made mention of the struggles that were endured by slaves to buy and develop villages of which the village of Queenstown was a vivid example. The Regional Administrator, Mr. Morris Walcott also made a brief presentation in which he challenged the leaders and participants to develop a sense of pride and dignity among their constituents as a means of building their bases stronger, socially and economically, while upholding the principles of peace and harmony. Greetings were also delivered by several Toshaos and representatives of the NDC.

After the well-received official ceremony which was also witnessed by the Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Yvette Hastings-Tafres and other Regional staff, the participants took to the field where they were engaged in cricket and football matches as well as participating in a dominoes competition. As the fun and much fanfare grew, more residents and friends from across the Coastland came to celebrate and enjoy the atmosphere. The event was a success and the Regional Administration should be given credit for coordinating such a range of activities which seek to promote greater social cohesion among the villages, as well as providing a better understanding of history as it relates to community development and what was achieved by our foreparents during the period of slavery and indentureship. Greater expectation is anticipated during next year’s celebration.
Yours Faithfully,
Elroy Stephney