By Michel Outridge

APNU stalwart Alshazie Ramlakhan underscored the development in Naamless, East Bank Essequibo, during a tour of Parika and its environs, this week.

She related that in the past, villages such as Naamless were forgotten and neglected, but for the past four years and more, this administration has invested in its people by providing the requisite resources for their development.

Ramlakhan during her visit to the communities also took the time to reach out to residents, some of whom aired their concerns as well as, expressed their gratitude for a new road and potable water supply within recent times.

During the village walkabout with the team, Ramlakhan’s sentiments were echoed by villagers, who recognised the progress fostered by this administration especially the clearing of drains, canals, outfalls and the façade.

She explained that it was as a result of a public village meeting in Naamless, residents had asked for a proper road and a reliable water service and it was delivered by the government.

Ramlakhan added that the government is trying to meet the needs of the people and things will take time, but it will be granted in due course.

“The people here in Naamless have seen more development than ever than before and plans are in stream for further progress in which new schools will be built, concrete bridges constructed, health centres for villages and other modern buildings and facilities, all for the betterment of all,” she said.

Ramlakhan, a resident of Parika, related that in her village they have had their share of development, boasting about good roads and other services that bring real meaning to life and people.

She pointed out that the interest of the people has always been on the forefront and this government has been providing the necessary resources to promote development all around.

The Pepperpot Magazine met Randolph Matthews, who reported that the children of Naamless and the surrounding areas as far as Morashee should get a bus to transport them to and from school.

He explained that his six grandchildren have to journey from Morashee, which is the last village on that end to Naamless by boat, then take a bus which costs $200 each to go to Parika, after which they have to take other buses to go to their respective schools.

The eldest grandchild goes to the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the city and the transportation money adds up, putting a strain on finances in the home.

Matthews, a cash-crop farmer who plants and sells bora at the Parika market stated that he would assist his daughter with some money to assist in the transportation costs for schooling, but it is not easy.

The 59-year-old added that life as a farmer has many difficulties, but they try to make ends meet and he is however thankful for the development he has seen in Naamless, his village.

“This area has a lot of schoolchildren and it is costly for them to travel, because most of them have to go out of the village to attend secondary schools and it would be a good thing if they can get a bus to assist,” he said.

Matthews noted though he is pleased with the efforts of the government thus far and noted that the residents of Naamless welcome any form of development.