FIRST LADY, Arya Ali, on Monday, met with residents of Leguan to address a number of concerns, after which she donated a few hundred masks to students and the elderly.
The meeting, which was held in Blenheim, attracted approximately 20 residents who used the opportunity to raise their concerns with the First Lady.
Among the major issues identified by the residents were the need for more job opportunities, increased lighting, and improvements to the only hospital on the island. The First Lady explained to the resident that while her office does not perform those specific Government functions, she will ensure that those concerns are properly documented by her office, and communicated to the relevant ministries.

She noted that it is important for public officials to listen to the concerns of residents to get a better understanding of some of the issues affecting them.
“That is why I am here today. I want to hear from you and see how best I am able to use my office to assist you. I am here to work for you, the people of Guyana,” she stressed.
After listening to the residents, the First Lady outlined two initiatives that she intends to pursue in the near future to benefit the people of Leguan. The first initiative involves the provision of skills training for young people on the island. She explained that during the first quarter of next year, the Office of the First Lady will partner with skills training institutions like the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) to conduct a number of workshops.

The successful completion of the workshops, she added, will see those participants receiving a certificate which will increase their marketability. The second plan which is likely to come on stream at the start of next year, will be the development of a playfield into an eco-park which forms part of the First Lady’s National Beautification Project.
“There are many socio-economic benefits to be derived from having public parks and we want you, the residents of Leguan, to enjoy those benefits as well. So I will be working towards developing the area so you can have an environmentally-friendly space to enjoy,” she said.

After the meeting, the First Lady visited the Leguan Hospital and made a donation of a hamper to an elderly person who resides at the healthcare facility. She then visited the Leguan Post Office, where pensioners had gathered to receive their pension books, and made another donation of five boxes of face masks. Her final stop was at the Leguan Secondary School where she met with Grades 11 and 12 students and made another donation of three boxes of masks.

“The world is continuing to function and people will continue to conduct their business because some of them do not have any other option. It is therefore important for all of us to play our part in helping to protect our children and the elderly as they are the most vulnerable among us,” said the First Lady.