– donates computers, electronic tablets and backpacks to students

LOW Wood is a small riverain community on the Demerara River in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) not far from Timehri on the East Bank Demerara.
The residents there rely solely on solar energy for electricity and there’s no potable water. As a result, Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag has pledged to oversee the community’s development.

During a visit to the area on Saturday, Minister Parag engaged residents and promised to ensure their electricity and water issues are resolved.
She ventured into the community as part of a programme organised by one of the villagers. She presented the children with two computers, six electronic tablets and 10 backpacks. The items were donated by a number of different companies in an effort to aid in the education of the children.

In her address, Minister Parag reiterated the importance of education, as she pledged her ministry’s willingness to continue to support the community.
“I know that you have been doing and donating on your own. So next year, I will be pitching in my piece; because there is nothing better than being able to support kids.”
Members of the community also took the opportunity to express a few of their concerns to the minister. It was noted that the community’s school houses just 19 children.

A teacher at the school, Alston Gentle, expressed that although equipped with solar lights, the school is in great need of a battery. “We have panels on the roof but they have no batteries.”
Another issue raised was the matter of the community’s well, which is in dire need of repairs.

“Another matter we have been trying to get addressed is the well. There is the hole and there is water in the hole, but we cannot do anything to get the water out of the hole,” Gentle said.
In response, Minister Parag explained that she will make contact with the relevant authorities, ministers and personnel to ensure that the village issues are dealt with.
The teacher also expressed the need for sports equipment.