BEING a Community Health Worker, Pretty Debideen is no stranger to fostering healthy relations and promoting community development at Fort Island, Essequibo River.

She has recently been instrumental in offsetting a few projects through government-funded initiatives.

Debideen told the Pepperpot Magazine that they have seen tremendous progress in 2022, and they are very pleased with it, because it has provided employment for the locals of the island, who were otherwise without permanent jobs.

The community leader stated that they have had sea defence upgrades near Fort Zeelandia and other sections of the island that were prone to erosion.

She added that a sea dam was also constructed to strengthen the drainage network on the island and assist farmers with ease of access to get to their farmlands and to bring out their produce.

Debideen reported that with the operation of the new Fort Island ferry stelling and the re-launching of the ferry service, the lives of the locals have been significantly enhanced, especially this year.

She disclosed that the ferry service is back in operation following the opening of the Fort Island ferry stelling in May this year. After 12 years via Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), locals have been employed as security guards and ferry-service employees, among other positions.

Debideen noted that some of the locals from the island have steady jobs as security guards, one line catcher for the ferry, one bond clerk and a cleaner.

This resident of Fort Island is in charge of the Fort Island ferry stelling and would liaise with T&HD and Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.

She also related that the Fort Island health centre has been renovated, a new fence was installed, a waiting area with shed was also constructed and they have around-the-clock security at the health facility and a new security service.

Debideen added that they have a new teacher and security at the school building, which houses both the primary and nursery learners.

Beezie Island, Essequibo River

The Community Health Worker, the only healthcare professional on the island, said through a community meeting with the Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube, a new security service, Elite Security, was provided for the government buildings.

She reported that Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill was on the ground to oversee construction of the new ferry stelling replacing the rotten structure, and he was also present for the opening of the stelling on May 25, 2022.

“With the new ferry stelling and the ferry service, the people of Fort Island can earn because they are employed at the stelling. The farmers are able to sell their produce at the stelling and transporting goods and produce is very affordable via the ferry, Makouria, which goes to Bartica from Parika daily and would stop over once there are passengers,” she said.

Debideen added that through the intervention of Minister Edghill the island had 40 new solar lights installed for the first time. It is indeed a real enhancement for the locals, who are without electricity to date.

She explained that since Fort Island is a riverine community, there are a lot of snakes and they have had some incidents were the locals were bitten by venomous snakes and had to seek immediate medical attention.

With the solar lights now in place, the residents can breathe a sigh of relief for the illumination, especially at night, to move around.

Debideen pointed out that all households on the island benefitted from the 25 black giant chickens initiative and the current administration’s cash grants for hinterland and riverine communities to improve the lives of the people during the pandemic and flooding.

She related that they benefitted from internet service through partnership with the private sector for the first time.

Debideen said D&G internet came on board to provide private internet service to the locals of the island at a reduced cost for the entire package of installation and monthly fee as such, a few households have the service.

The resident of Fort Island told the Pepperpot Magazine that they are very pleased about the steps taken by the government to develop the island, since it is a tourism site with Fort Zeelandia and the Heritage Museum, among other attractions, to entice visitors.

Beezie Island
The team also stopped over at Beezie Island, Essequibo River, it is a tourist attraction, it is privately owned and there are only two locals who reside on the island as caretakers/farmers.

It is a lovely place to relax, unwind from the busy day-to-day life, sit in one of the hammocks provided, and enjoy the tranquil peace of the scenery of nature, with the river in the background.
On the island there is the pet dog, “Blacks,” who is in charge of the security and he would alert the caretakers of the presence of visitors.