– residents grateful for fulfilled promises
TO fulfil the government’s obligations to the residents of Region Two on the Essequibo Coast, solar panels, batteries, fans, and light fixtures were delivered to the lower Pomeroon River last week by Regional Chairperson Vilma DeSilva and other regional officials.
During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chairperson DeSilva provided an explanation that involved the distribution of over 1500 solar panels, batteries, fans, and light fixtures to the residents of St. Vincent-Providence, Friendship Backlands, Hackney, Heatfield, Aberdeen, and Jacklow. These recipients expressed satisfaction and excitement as they received the promised items from President Ali and his administration.
She further explained, “The residents from these communities were anxiously awaiting us, and they were beyond happy with our visit. We have to understand that in these riverine areas, they do not have electricity and only a few persons can afford a generator, which only gives a few hours of light.”
Meanwhile, the regional chairperson also revealed that although the residents were thrilled to get the solar panels, they were even more delighted with the fans, batteries and light fixtures.
According to her, “We had an officer with us who demonstrated how to set up the panels and the other fixtures. Listening to these residents, especially the wives and mothers, who explained how helpful this initiative from the government will be to them and their families, is very fulfilling and rewarding to be a part of. Knowing that we are helping to make a difference in the lives of all Guyanese is a grateful feeling.”
Alongside conversing with the regional chairperson, the Guyana Chronicle made an effort to reach out to various beneficiaries in the Lower Pomeroon. These individuals expressed their gratitude to President Ali and his government for effectively fulfilling the pledges that were made.
Taren Abrams, a stay-at-home wife and mother, explained that she is grateful for the convenience and benefits of the light for her in the kitchen and for her child during her studies at night.
“I grew up without lights in our home; I remembered my parents made lamps for us to use at night to study, and that was the norm for us. Now that I am married and have a family of my own, and I am so happy that my child does not have to go through the same as me and my brothers and sisters.”
She continued: “My daughter can now stay up late and study, and I can see to prepare my husband’s food in the mornings. This is so good for us, and I want to thank the government and especially our President for making sure that we get what we were promised. We are so thankful.”
Also speaking with this publication, Anika, and Ryan (only names given) related that they were waiting in anticipation for the solar panels and the other items so that they could purchase a television for their home.
“Listen, my wife and I were waiting for so long for this. We were out at Charity Market, and we heard that our relatives in Region One collected their solar panels, and they got fans and so on, so we were hoping that we got the same, and we did. We don’t have children yet, but now that we have received our panel, fan, lights, and battery, we are planning to buy our television next week.” Ryan told this publication.
“I want to thank our President and his ministers; if it weren’t for them, we could not have been able to afford all of this. We are thankful, and we appreciate you all. Pomeroon is looking good. We used to feel like no one saw us, but now we can say that we have a government that is for all, and we thank President Ali for that and all that he does for Guyanese,” Anika said.
