MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon has called on residents of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) to be cognisant of those attempting to sow racial and political discord amongst people in Guyana.

The minister’s remarks were delivered at the 52nd Independence Anniversary and flag-raising ceremony organised by the Regional Administration of Region Three.
Also in attendance were Region Three Chairman Julius Faber, REO Dennis Jaikarran, leaders of the business community, Toshaos of Indigenous communities and special invitees.

Minister Harmon said “President David Granger and our coalition government have recommitted to the task of uniting our people to build a strong prosperous Guyana for all.”
Further, he said that the establishment of a Ministry of Social Cohesion and the forging of the idea to develop regional economic development plans, are all part of the government’s commitment to remove inequalities and to create employment and economic prosperity.

Adding that the vision has created a renewed environment of patriotism, Harmon said that national pride amongst Guyanese at home and in the diaspora resulted in many innovative initiatives to provide the “Good Life” for all.

The Minister of State urged the population of Region Three to celebrate Guyana’s achievements over the 52 years and recommit to working together to join the resurgence of developmental efforts. “Region Three has much to celebrate, because developments are happening all around us, indeed all our regions have cause to celebrate, we are no longer viewed by the international community as a narco-state or a safe haven for money laundering , our citizens are once again treated with the utmost respect when they travel abroad,” Harmon said.

Noting that development can be seen all around Region Three, Harmon said that the West Coast Demerara highway with state of the art features is now the best road in Guyana. In addition, he spoke of national and regional programmes to construct and rehabilitate secondary and tertiary roads in villages, as well as all-weather roads and dams that enable access to the backlands.

“We are about development for all of our people… our sea and river defence construction and rehabilitation programme in Region Three are being vigorously pursued, as we are mindful of the effects of climate change on sea levels and the threats to our coastland,” he said.

Underscoring that there have also been developments in the ICT sector in the region, Minister Harmon said 22 community ICT hubs have been established and 12 secondary schools and 27 primary schools as well as four government agencies have been provide with internet service.

Such programmes, he said will continue until government agencies and all schools are connected to the internet. Further, he said projects such as the reconstruction of the Vreed-en-Hoop Ferry Stelling facility; the rehabilitation of the Parika and Leguan Ferry Stellings and the construction of the Parika to Goshen road will greatly benefit all in the region.

“Let us as a region and across our country resolve to work to ensure our young people take advantage of all the educational opportunities to develop themselves as productive citizens…” Harmon continued: “Let us also work with each other to ensure that the Green State Development Strategy being implemented by our government brings maximum benefits to region three and a truly inclusionary democracy.”