– marks 53rd anniversary with cricket match, community celebrations

By Michelle Outridge

MAYOR Dave Budhu of Rose Hall township, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) acknowledged that the town has made significant progress since it was founded in 1970, but there is still more work to be done.

In honour of its 53rd anniversary as a township on September 20, 2023, Rose Hall town has organized a calendar of events for the week.

Budhu has been serving as the mayor since 2021 and in 1990, Williamsburg joined Rose Hall township, leading to a significant transformation over the years.

Rose Hall town is situated between Corriverton and New Amsterdam, and it has gradually evolved into a hub for businesses, serving as a one-stop-shop for both locals and travellers.

Williamsburg is a bustling town with commercial banks, fast-food restaurants, boutiques, stores, and a municipal market. Additionally, a new Republic Bank building is currently under construction.z

Budhu informed this publication that the township will see additional development through a partnership with the Ministry of Public Works to upgrade roads and bridges.

He revealed that a temporary police outpost existed before, but now a new building for the Police Station has been commisioned and the old structure will be converted into a daycare centre run by the police.

According to Budhu, they used their subvention to purchase a Bobcat and install 50 mercury vapour street lights in Rose Hall. They will also install 50 more LED lights powered by electricity.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the mayor mentioned the completion of concrete drains and covers within the township, and the procurement of a concrete cutter to facilitate the road’s upgrade to concrete.

Budhu stated that the municipal ground will experience a significant transformation upon the opening of the recreational facility and establishment of the Early Childhood Centre.

He stated that the Ministry of Local Government and the Rose Hall Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will start a project to relocate the dumpsite.

The mayor disclosed that a new housing scheme will be opened in the township to provide sufficient housing for the population.

He shared that Rose Hall M&CC invested in vehicles, such as tractors, trailers, and a canter truck, to help enhance the community’s upkeep of drains, parapets, and garbage disposal. The township’s residents can benefit from these services without charge, but businesses must pay a small fee.

Budhu mentioned that Rose Hall/Williamsburg has garbage collection twice a week and requires an abattoir.

The Rose Hall municipal market, which has over 400 vendors, is a vibrant location with several businesses operating on the public road area, according to the mayor.

With a population of roughly 5600, Rose Hall has recently experienced an influx of migrants, and the new housing plan will undoubtedly improve their housing requirements.

Rose Hall town has planned a calendar of events for the week to celebrate its 53rd anniversary as a township on September 20, 2023.

Mayor Budhu stated that on September 24, a cricket match will take place at Rose Hall Youth and Cricket Club, alongside the re-painting of five pedestrian crossings in Rose Hall/Williamsburg and the honouring of retirees of the M&CC for their outstanding service.

On September 20, at the Rose Hall municipal market, he announced that there will be a mini exhibition featuring 20 booths to showcase products and services by members of the business community and publishers of the daily and Sunday Chronicle newspapers known as the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL).

Additionally, Budhu mentioned that a ceremony will be held at the same venue to recognize the most outstanding employees of M&CC this year and distribute hampers to senior citizens in the township.

Furthermore, the mayor noted that the M&CC staff will begin a door-to-door outreach to listen to citizens’ concerns, educate them on the services provided by the Council, and encourage them to pay their rates and taxes.

“From 1970, the ‘black and white days’ to now the town has seen major transformation in terms of infrastructure and services and in time to come will see even more development to enhance the lives of the locals,” Budhu said.

Photos compliments of Rose Hall/Williamsburg M&CC saved in a folder in Graphics as Rose Hall/Williamsburg in September 18, 2023.