Corriverton Mayor hopes for positive change soon

By Michel Outridge

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Corriverton, Upper Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is of the hope that the town would be further developed and the lives of its people continuously enhanced with re-opening of the sugar estates.

Winston Roberts told the Pepperpot Magazine that the township starts from #75 to Crabwood Creek and they have two new housing schemes with infrastructure at #76 and #77.

He disclosed that the population of the town is about 15,000 and the livelihoods of residents come from the sugar industry and farming, which is no big income garner.

Roberts explained that when the Skeldon Estate closed its operations a few years ago, it was difficult for many, however, some established their own small businesses while others had to ‘make-do’ with whatever work came their way.

He revealed that with COVID-19 the fishing industry remains closed, putting an extra strain on the pockets of regular folk in that township and a drive-by at #66 Inshore Fishing Port Complex saw dozens of fishing boats moored.

Fishermen were agitated and ready to get back to the Atlantic Ocean, but the Corentyne River is being patrolled by the Suriname authorities and access is denied because of the pandemic.

Farmers at Jackson Creek and surrounding areas cannot access their farms and it is a cause for worry, since a lot of produce can perish, putting a dent in the pockets of farmers.

Roberts told the Pepperpot Magazine that access to the Corentyne River from Mopena to Jackson Creek isn’t accessible due to the Coronavirus measures in place to safeguard the borders.

He added that Moleson Creek farmers are also affected by the closure of the Corentyne River via boats.

“This is impacting our people greatly to provide an income for their families and it puts a strain on the community itself when people cannot work to earn,” he said.

Mayor Roberts stressed the need for more in-house skills training for youths and school drop-outs in Corriverton.

“We have a Training Centre located in the compound of the M&CC and we host some training from time to time but with the Coronavirus all that has been put on hold,” he said.

Roberts admitted that more emphasis needs to be placed on youths, some of whom are unemployed and others undertake menial jobs to earn.

Corriverton Park

Meanwhile, as it relates to the Corriverton Park Mayor Roberts said that the project was completed more than a year ago, but the facility remains unused by locals due to their perception that it is in an inconvenient location.

Residents told the Pepperpot Magazine that they do not visit the Park because it is at a very dangerous location on the main road and at any given time things can go wrong endangering the lives of people.

“If a vehicle run off the road and ended up in that Park what you think will happen and if an accident happens it is certain death for the people there,” one resident said.

It is noted that the park, which is outfitted with four benabs and benches, is located on the pubic road. The park sits precariously between two turns on the main road and is bordered by the sideline dam, but it is yet to be seen whether residents will later consider using the facility.