SOME 80 land titles will be distributed to residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) by next week, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday. The Head of State made this disclosure at the end of the presidential outreach, which was held at the Regional Democratic Council in Anna Regina. “Today alone, just with some pushing, we have 80 titles that are now available to people that were in the system for years; five years, six years, seven years. On Monday, these 80 titles will be available to the people,” he said. One of the main aims of Wednesday’s exercise was to reduce the bureaucratic hassle that many persons face when accessing services The President said the engagement also highlighted the existing weaknesses in the system as well as a deficiency in service delivery to citizens of the region. On this note, he urged the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) staff to recognise and respect the prestige that comes with their jobs. “Public service is the highest call of service in your country and we must not think that we are doing people a favour… and if you believe at this point in your career that you want to go in the other direction, then make that choice.

But once we are in public service, let us serve; the same feeling you have today, the same energy, the same excitement you have to serve the people should be what you find every day. We are not in public service because we have no other option; we are in public service because we chose a career to serve the people. And if we don’t want to serve the people, then public service is not for us,” he said. The President said, too, that public service and leadership must involve all levels of workers from the chief executive officer to the helpers. In this way each level will have a better understanding of the strategic vision and direction of the organisation. “If they understand where the organisation is going, what is their strategic vision, then they will know how they have to perform and how they have to behave. We have an excellent opportunity to achieve this. We have to change this country.” President Ali explained that positive change is vital, especially with Guyana’s development trajectory. He said it is imperative that “we fix our culture of doing business” to ensure greater local content. He then urged the older agencies’ heads to recognise their roles in leaving a legacy of efficiency. “I ask you to use this opportunity of your experience in the public service to pass this on to all these younger people. This is the only way we will become a better country. All of us have an equal role in making this country better…. Uniting our country starts in the public service. We have the greatest ability to demonstrate this common vision…. Take today as a renewal of your vows to your job and to service to the people,” he urged.