–says Minister Rodrigues

MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, on Friday, visited the communities of Wakapoa and Akawini in the Pomeroon River, Region Two, where she reiterated the government’s commitment to the development of the country and its people.
The minister did so as part of a two-day Cabinet outreach to the region, led by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

“We want to take this opportunity to remind you of the commitments that we made in our manifesto, to assure you that we are very much committed to every single one of the promises that we made and to show you that we never want to relinquish that direct connection with our people,” Minister Rodrigues said.

During the outreach, the minister advised residents to express their grievances so that the government could render assistance.
Toshao of Akawini, Rudolph Wilson, said his village has seen much improvement during the first year of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in office.

“Well as for us, as the people of Akawini village, we can see great development because we have gotten a lot of things… like for example, we have an emergency boat, which we have received from the REO through the government, we have even received our children cash grant; we are now receiving this flood relief. They have also assisted us greatly in the cleaning of the creek and many other things they have done, at least we can see progress going on,” he said.

While also acknowledging the work done by the government, several residents raised their concerns at the outreach.
Monica Williams, an elderly farmer, said she appreciated the interest the government was showing in her village.

“When no one looks down upon us … he [President Ali] takes part, he looks upon us, he helps us in different ways and sends small packages and he doesn’t put us down as Amerindians like the previous government… he remembers us,” she said.

Headteacher of the Wakapoa Secondary School, Andre Smith, also lauded the government for its work in the community.
“Very good, I think this is the forum that we should raise our concerns with the bigger heads and I know that the government is working and they will see that things happen not only in Wakapoa, but all over… because if you listen to honourable ministers, their hearts are on indigenous communities,” Smith said.

In response, Minister Rodrigues said: “You would have seen in various sectors whether it is education, whether it is health, whether it is infrastructure, housing, whichever sector it is, you have seen us delivering on our commitments, delivering on our promises and we are here to tell you again that we will never break that connection and we will also always ensure that we keep those commitments for the next four years and so we are making ourselves accessible to you,” Minister Rodrigues said.

(DPI)