STAYING up-to-date on current affairs, Guyanese would have noted a distinct difference between the equitable, fair, and evenhanded manner that the APNU+AFC administration approaches national development, and the politically polarized, ad hoc, and uneven way that the former regime undertook projects. While the current government assures that all Guyanese communities – including hinterland areas – benefit from national programmes and initiatives, the former PPP masters paid attention only to areas housing their supporters, the capital city of Georgetown, and politically lucrative regions of the country.

At the last post-Cabinet briefing, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced, among other initiatives, the awarding of a contract to build a state-of-the-art surgical operating theatre at the Suddie Hospital in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region. The construction of that facility, which will be completed in 4 months, will allow residents of the region to have access to high quality surgical and medical care. Therefore, no longer will the residents of that region have to travel to Georgetown in order to get surgeries, at great financial cost to themselves, and medical suffering and trauma to patients; the service will be right there.

The $41 million contract was signed on October 18, between the Regional Democratic Council of Pomeroon-Supenaam and the contractor– Builder’s Hardware & General Supplies. At the signing ceremony, Regional Chairman Rupert Hopkinson said that he is satisfied that the region will finally benefit from a state-of-the-art operating theater.

Hopkinson pointed out that as part of the region’s budgetary allocations, the timely request was made for a necessary operating theatre some time back. Approval, however, was granted this year.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who was present at the occasion, emphasised that while there is always the need for high quality work, there is also the need for local employment, as such, she urged the contracted company to employ as much local labour and skills as possible.

It is now clear that the Suddie Hospital will soon be capable of offering surgical services comparable to those available at hospitals in Georgetown. This is an example of the equity between the hinterland and the city, as promised, and now being delivered by the government.

Notable, too, are many of the other decisions taken by government that were announced by Minister Harmon at that briefing. Minister Harmon said Cabinet had approved the awarding of seven multi-million dollar contracts by the procurement entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), intended to benefit outlying communities.

Among them, in Linden, a new Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building will be constructed. Minister Harmon said that the contractor – SKRN’s Engineering and Associated Limited – will provide consultancy services for the design and supervision for construction of the office at a cost of $41.3 million. This development has been much needed for some time.

The New GPC Inc. has been awarded a contract of $117.9M for the supply and delivery of medical equipment. Also, a contract valued at $26.5 million was awarded to Advanced Environmental Solutions Incorporated for rehabilitation of the landfill at Esplanande, New Amsterdam, East Berbice/Corentyne. Additionally, a $45 million contract was awarded to Industrial Supply of Guyana Incorporated for the supply and delivery of a brand new garbage truck.

Another contract totalling $71.8 million was awarded to Massy Technologies Limited and Andrews Enterprise for the supply of stationery supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Clearly, government is focussing attention on development of the entire geographic area of Guyana, not just on the coastal strip. The administration aims to raise the standard of living for all Guyanese, regardless of where they live, and irrespective of their perceived political affiliation.

The statements by government regarding those projects follow declarations of the distribution of much-needed firearms in the Cayuni-Mazaruni region, and the drilling of 8 water-wells in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region, earlier this month.

Evidently, the administration is dedicated to developing the entire country– all 10 regions of it– not just Georgetown and the coastal areas. This is a most welcome turn of focus, a notable and commendable trend, and the correct approach to developmental emphasis.