– work in best interest of the region, Min. Mustapha urges Region Six councillors

By Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur

AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha has appealed to new councillors at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six to listen to the concerns of the people, and make every effort to address those that are genuine.

“We must listen to concerns of people; not just the chairman or vice-chairman, but each of you, because if you do, you can make the representation that is needed. You are here at the RDC to serve the people, not the other way around. You are the servants of the people; you have taken the oath to serve without fear and a favour, and I do hope that each and every one of you commits and re-commits yourselves to the service of the people. We must work hard to instill confidence in the populace of Region Six,” he said in his charge on Monday.

The minister also called on the councillors to put aside their personal and political differences, and work hand-in-hand for the betterment of the region and its citizens.

Mustapha, a former councillor and regional chairman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), said he recognised some of the faces who were sworn in, and from his experience, they are individuals who have the interest of the region at heart.

“It will take a lot of effort and energy to be a successful councilor, so I hope that each and every councillor that had just taken the oath of office is prepared to serve, and serve to the best of their ability. They will serve the people of Region Six, and they will put aside political affiliation; they will put aside race, religion, and ensure that they serve the entire Region Six without fear and favour. Remember, the election campaigns are over; the task is now there for us to rebuild, and build back our country. And when we make decisions, it should be in the interest of Region Six,” Minister Mustapha said.

At a simple ceremony held at the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) headquarters in Portuguese Quarters, 30 new councillors took the oath of office on Monday. Twenty of the representatives are from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), while 10 are from the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition.

David Armogan, the incumbent regional chairman, retains the position after he won 20-10 votes against Shurla Scott, who was nominated by Councillor Colin Moore.

Armogan will be assisted by Zamal Hussain, who replaces Dennis Deoroop as the vice- chairman.  A new Regional Executive Officer (REO), Narendra Persaud was recently appointed.

COMMITTEES

The newly-sworn in regional councillors were nominated by their peers to sit on key committees to pilot the affairs of the region. These committees include: The Finance Committee, headed by the Regional Chairman, David Armogan; the Works and Local Government Committees, headed by Vice-Chairman Zamal Hussain; the Education Committee, headed by Haseef Yusuff; Health and National Events Committee, headed by Sheriann Beharry; and the Youth, Sports and Culture Committee, headed by Eshwar Narinesammy.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, while addressing the new councillors, said he was happy and excited that the government will be re-opening two sugar estates in the region, which would provide employment opportunities for between 5,000-6,000 individuals.

“So Region Six is on the verge of taking off, not only in sugar, but if you look at the productive sector in Region Six, rice production this year will be one of the largest crops ever in Region Six. We will be producing more rice this year; our cash crops will be producing large amounts of other crops too. We will be opening new lands, and when you look at the budget that was passed recently, there are a number of benefits in that budget for the people of Region Six, and the people of our country. So I want you all to take advantage of the government’s effort to develop this region,” the minister said.

He added: “We know for a fact that Guyana is on the verge of taking off with the oil economy, where we are now. We will be receiving shortly the oil revenues, and more money will be coming into the country’s coffers. We have to use those monies wisely, that is why the RDC; a forum like the RDC will have to plan their programmes, and represent their concerns to Central Government, so that development can come to Region Six.”

Members of the private sector, Members of Parliament, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and Dineshwar Jaiprashad were also in attendance.