MINISTER of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, have assured Red Village residents that they will address prevalent issues affecting the community during a recent outreach there.
Minister Trotman, underscoring the many successful outreaches thus far, highlighted that the outreaches serve to discuss the issues of citizens and to return to President David Granger to relay the needs of the people of his country.
“This country has one government, led by President Granger, and we want this to be more of listening and not talking. We want to go back to the President and say this is what your people want from you and government. We are here not because we are afraid, running or trying to hide, but we are here to fix problems now and later on,” Minister Trotman relayed.
He went on to stress the law-abiding nature of the President and the APNU+AFC government, noting that the courts are dealing with the current political situation and that the government will respect the outcome of the courts.
“Whatever the outcome, elections are due within the next 12 months, and as a government, we are preparing to defend our record of service,” Trotman said.
Echoing the Natural Resources Minister’s sentiments was Minister Hastings-Williams, who stated her elation towards being in the village and being able to better understand the situation of persons in accessing government services, among other things.
“We see it as important to bring the government to the people. Wherever you are, it is our duty to bring ourselves to you. We understand the struggle of accessing us and our services and we are here for a purpose, we are your humble servants.” Minister Hastings-Williams said, before noting government’s obligation to support the people and ensuring equal access to all services.
The minister, identifying the beauty of the community, went on to boast the restoration of local government and stated that there must be gradual moving away from dependence on the central government. Minister Hastings-Williams urged residents to take the development of their community into their hands and the government will listen and work towards satisfying the community. This made way for a fruitful discussion between the ministers and residents and saw the raising of community concerns and requests for government assistance.
Prevailing all, were requests for improved roads, installation of streetlights, and better strategies to tackle crime in the area. The ministers made undertakings to address and to also refer those they cannot, to other subject ministers.
Upon the meeting’s culmination, the government was lauded by Sheldon Norton and Simone Halls, who both expressed their gratitude for the work the government is doing. Simultaneously, they called for the tackling of unemployment and creation of opportunities to involve community youths.
Red Village is a low-income housing programme/scheme in Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, constructed by ‘Food for the Poor’. The programme saw the construction of 100 homes. Earlier this year, the government has ventured on the ministerial outreach initiative which has been to five administrative regions so far.
This initiative serves as a platform for residents of communities to interact with government ministers, voice their concerns, and have their community issues addressed. The ministerial outreach ties hand-in-hand with the ‘Bringing Government to the People’ outreaches.