– during Independence commemoration in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, has brought the message of love and peace to the residents of Region Two. She was at the time speaking at the 52nd Independence Anniversary and flag-raising ceremony held Friday evening at the Anna Regina car park.

Addressing the gathering of Regional Democratic councillors, Regional Officials, members from the disciplined forces, school children and residents of Region Two, Ferguson said love should always prevail in order for unity and progress to continue. On that note, she took the opportunity to quote from the Bible which explains the meaning of love, in a verse that says, ” The scripture says let us love one another; love is God and God is love”.
She therefore called upon Essequibians not to allow politicial leaders to divide them and called upon residents to stand up against such and to join hands fostering unity and togetherness. Ferguson said that the foundation of a good life is now beginning to take shape and urged Guyanese to look to the future with optimism and hope.

“Local Governance”
Speaking on changes, Minister Ferguson said that since the Coalition was elected, the Government had brought about positive changes and Essequibo was part of those. She urged persons to make wise decision during the Local Government elections slated for November, so that local communities can continue to develop and prosper. Educating persons on development in Region Two, Ferguson said that approximately $1 billion was spent on the region to improve its infrastructure. Today, she said villages such as Aurora and Dartmouth are blessed with electricity–something they were yearning for in the past. She said that over $100M will be spent to upgrade the Supenaam waterfront and soon the region will experience a boost in electricity, since a power plant will soon be commissioned with new generators at Anna Regina.

She also said that the Government had recently received a grant from the Japanese Government which has gifted Guyana with 10,000 lamps of which 1000 lamps have already arrived in Guyana. Some of these will be sent to Essequibo with a view to improving security.

Ferguson therefore called on Essequibians to remain steadfast and to join hands with the Government towards enjoying a better life. The programme featured calypso, chutney, patriotic melodies and dances from the Mainstay Dance Troupe.
The Guard of Honour was inspected by Minister Ferguson, accompanied by Member of Parliament, Rajkumar Haimraj and Commander of ‘G’ Division, Khalid Pareshram. Before the end of the programme, the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted after which the parade marched off.