–President Ali commits to residents during walkabout

CONTINUING his mission to address all issues of residents in communities across Guyana, President, Dr Irfaan Ali visited Tucville, Georgetown on Wednesday where, among other things, he addressed the infrastructural, recreational, and economic needs of the South Georgetown community.

Walking the streets of Tucville, the President was exposed to the drainage and irrigation concerns raised by residents.

With Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr and several other officials accompanying, the President also engaged the community on their recreational needs including upgrades to the Tucville Football Ground.

Treating the issues one by one and skillfully directing his team to action in the process, President Ali committed to residents that an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub will be established in the community to assist youths who are interested but unable to join the Guyana Online Learning Academy (GOAL) due to not having the means.

The residents were in high praise of the visit, which shocked some members of the community. Some said they have never seen a President of Guyana visit the area.

“I live in this area 53 years, and I appreciate this. This is history!” commented a vendor at Nicky’s Food Court.

Another resident commented: “We’re glad to see you, just yesterday we were saying nobody isn’t coming into our area. We’re glad to have you.”

Thanking the President for coming, several residents shared that their main concern for the community was the need for more initiatives for young people.

“We have a lot of delinquents,” one resident said, noting: “after COVID, a lot of children didn’t go back to school, so we want these guys doing work.”

Hearing of school leavers in the area, President Ali said the Ministry of Education will examine the situation.

Turning attention to a squatting area referred to as the East La Penitence Housing Compound, the President told the occupants that the arrangement was always a temporary one.

He committed to connecting them with more permanent housing solutions since continued investment into squatting would see residents losing their money, while being unable to secure bank loans since they do not legally own an asset.

Most residents there were relocated from Tiger Bay following a major fire there decades ago. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar were also part of the President’s team. There will be follow-up visits to the community.

During the walkabout, the President continuously emphasized that Guyana has a labour shortage for carpentry and masonry. He noted that young men who are interested would be trained through a short programme to take up jobs in the rapidly growing construction sector.

“For housing, all the contractors are complaining now that they are short for labour and short for construction workers, so nobody has an excuse now. Youths must take the responsibility of making use of the opportunity to be part of a positive change and positive direction,” the President said.

The President’s engagement started out with a visit to the Tucville Football Ground, where he met with a coach from the Fruta Conquerors Football Club, and other sports persons. Enhancements that are expected to take place at the facility include works on the ground, fence, access road, creation of hard tarmac, and the installation of lighting.