— Patterson tells Queenstown meeting

PUBLIC Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson has said that reports which he receives from regional officers vary from the reality on the ground.
Patterson made the observation during community meetings in Essequibo Coast, Region Two, on Wednesday.

Speaking at a meeting at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, the minister said his views were shaped by the different areas he visited
Government has been working to address the realities but Patterson said there are limitations to how government can help.
Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said government is making progress in bringing the government to the people.
“It was our commitment to face the people, interact with them, understand concerns and solve those concerns in a consensual manner,” said Harmon.
He said government is about the people of the country.

As such, he believes it is important for government to return to the people for new ideas.
Government has since created new towns and decentralised key services.
Persons can now access passport offices, acquire birth certificates, enquire about lands and receive many other services in their region compared to the past when they had to travel to Georgetown for those services.
“We want to offer more so you have to say what is bothering you,” said Harmon.
He said government is ready to give and receive advice.