Anna Regina’s new council has big plans for its town

THIS week, Pepperpot Magazine shifted gears and visited what is considered by many to be the capital of the Essequibo Coast, the illustrious township of Anna Regina which divides the coast at its halfway mark. The town of Anna Regina has seen massive development and changes recently and the town leaders are dedicated to seeing the town continue on its road to prosperity.

When 28 -year-old Devin Mohan took up the post of Mayor in August of last year, both he and his council had a trifling task at hand. But with the support, building of trust, as well as increased inclusivity and progressive type of governance, they were determined to do all in their power to develop the community. Beginning as a Dutch plantation during the early 1800s, Anna Regina was given township status in 1970.

The town was given its name after an Englishman who owned it for a period of time. That Englishman had two daughters, Anna and Regina; hence, the community was given its name. Today, the town’s boundaries have grown and so has its population. The mayor and a few council members were happy to tell of the town’s challenges and changes and where they see Anna Regina going.

Resident and Deputy Mayor of Anna Regina Lorna Fitzallen, described the town as thriving with its more than 40,000. “The township begins from Walton Hall on the north and three friends on the southern side. And then from the foreshores to the mainstay lake area is the boundary of Anna Regina.” She went on further to say that, “We haven’t approximately 48,000 inhabitants that make up the township. We have banks, administrative buildings, supermarkets and we have two supermarkets within the township.”

Parasram Singh is a councillor and chairman of the Social Development Council. As a resident, he lives just a few minutes’ drive outside of Anna Regina and he says, Anna Regina has more than sights to see, but it calls people from all around because of the availability of services in the town. “Anna Regina is the mid way of the Essequibo Coast and it forms the core of a lot of activities, like where the banks and other service activities are located. Apart from being a township, other people would come just for the services,” the councillor shared.

The council of the town is relatively new, but they have big plans since being sworn in in August of this year. Among them, delivering on promises is their biggest priority. In his first term as one of the country’s youngest mayors, Mayor Mohan stated that the council’s biggest issue was rebuilding community trust. He explained that forging a relationship with the residents of the town was at first a big task at hand, but reaching out, listening, setting goals and delivering on those goals helped in their goal.

“We had a lot of challenges. But we have managed to overcome them. People had the notion that the pressure council where inactive and not up to their game. We had to convince people that, as a new body, we are working in the best interest of all. We have new blood in the system. That is one of the challenges,” the mayor explained.

The inclusion of young people and the implementation of newer processes are things that the mayor is passionate about. He believes that a diverse town requires diverse leadership. He told the Pepperpot Magazine that, “The people are very receptive. They work along collaboratively with the council Because this new body is inclusive. We serve regardless of your political affiliation, religion, culture or creed,” he said, and that is reflected in the council, which is made up of a younger and multi-cultural batch of people.

In the time that they have been in operation, the council has managed to make phenomenal strides in the development of the town. Similar to the government of the country, the council has placed heavy emphasis on infrastructure. With work done on new roads, the cleaning of the town, and plans for expansions, Anna Regina is living up to its name as the business hub of the Essequibo Coast. “Anna Regina is a business hub. We have a speciality hospital and a few hospitals. Prior to that, we had a lot of hotels going up in the tourism industry. And we have a stadium. The transformation is evident in this township,” said the mayor.

One’s love and admiration of their community and country is unique and rare and goes a long way as a citizen. When asked what motivates them, the team had their own motives towards serving their community. Council Singh stated that, “By providing essential services to the people and the ultimate satisfaction by them wearing a smile; that is what motivates me to go on.”

As a community leader, Deputy Mayor Fitzallen shared that the desire to advise and inspire is her motivating factor. She stated that, “Helping someone and giving advice to someone; that is what gives me great pleasure.” The mayor shares similar sentiments. He explained that, not only is cooperation his motivation, but it is also the reason he believes Anna Regina will continue to surpass expectations. He said that, “What motivates me is service maximisation. When we can go out to the people. And meet with them, relate with them and help them. And help to transform their lives.”