Fenton Ragonauth is the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) of Swan Village, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, and for the past two years, they have been trying to introduce a cement block-making initiative project to provide employment for the locals.

The CDC comprises 10 members, and the cement block-making project is being realised at the Community Centre Ground.

Ragonauth reported that about six men from the village will be employed, and they will empower the locals even more through other community-based projects.

There are 270 households in Swan, with a population of about 1,000 and the unemployment rate in the village is high.

He disclosed that some people go out of the village for work while others are employed at sawmills, poultry farms, the scrap metal business and other places.

The CDC Chairman added that the people of Swan would like to have more lands to cultivate crops on a large scale and get involved in sand mining to earn and have a logging concession since they have a vast land mass.

Ragonauth stated that the housing area is 40 acres, listed as communal land under the Friendly Society for Amerindians.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that annually, the CDC would benefit from $1 million grant which is used to develop the village.

Ragonauth added that they had received $10M as part of the COVID-19 relief, and the money was used to purchase a canter truck and construct a brand new building housing the community resource centre.

He disclosed that three months ago, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs gifted a tractor and trailer for the village.

Ragonauth stated that an executive body was formed to manage the affairs of the movement of the vehicles through the Community Support Officers (CSOs), which has 10 members.

Residents who wish to use the tractor and canter truck will have to approach the CSO body, which was established recently.

The CDC Chairman pointed out that they have a vehicle, a pick-up for the policing group, but presently, the group is not functioning.

He reported that there is a need for all-weather roads in the village, an upgraded drainage system and a police outpost.

The CDC Chairman noted that the community centre building would benefit from an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub and they already have 20 laptops with a flat screen television and printer.

He stated that the laptops were gifted via the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and will open its door to the community once it becomes internet-ready.

Ragonauth is originally from Hotomoi, Aruka River, Region One and left his village searching for work.

He used to work on a road project on the highway and relocated to Swan 12 years and is the father of four.

The labourer added that the village is in need of a vehicle for school children, who have to commute to high school outside the community, and he is, however, pleased that Swan Primary School will be opened for the new school term in September.

Meanwhile, he is hoping the new water well will be commissioned soon so they can benefit from a potable water supply around the clock.

Even the children have to fetch water for long distances, and some use bicycles to carry buckets.

Ragonauth disclosed that a lot of young men in the village are unemployed and some has allegedly gravitated towards the abuse of alcohol and illicit substances.

There is also a noise nuisance issue where loud music is played continuously in the village, shattering the peace and quiet of the community.

Like most villages, Swan is not without issues and they have some challenges as well but are working through it to make the community safe and to reclaim its former peaceful glory as it was before it became thickly populated.