–President Ali says; new internal community drains to be done, street lights, other community issues to be addressed
AS President, Dr Irfaan Ali continues to embark on an approach to governance which puts the Guyanese people at the centre, it has been unveiled that major enhancement works are in the pipeline for Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

President Ali, on Monday, led a team to the village which included Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, along with technical teams from various agencies.

Staying on track with the grassroots approach, the President was all ears to the scores of residents who shared their views and concerns.
While highlighting that his administration does not stand still when it comes to addressing the problems faced by Guyanese, President Ali told the large crowd: “We don’t wait on you to come to us. We go to every single community. We interact. We will try to find solutions for the problems you have, on the ground.”

He then went on to say: “At the end of the day, we’re working to ensure that every single community becomes prosperous… In every community, we have an equitable chance of advancing development. That is the priority of the government. So today [Monday] is not for me to give you any long speeches here.”

Further, as the attempts to discredit the progress that is reaching every square inch of Guyana, continue, Dr Ali, once again, told the detractors of development that something is wrong with their conscience if they can say there is no development within their communities.

He told the dozens of East Coast Demerara residents: “If there is anyone in this country who can look at me with a straight face and say that they are not aware or they don’t feel or understand or see development in their community, then something is wrong with your conscience. Something is wrong with your conscience and that’s the reality.”

The Head of State then reiterated his unwavering dedication to ensure that development is “plugged” in every single community.

Also, as the residents raised concerns regarding littering, President Ali pointed out that the culture must change.
“We have to also be honest among ourselves to speak about people doing what is right in the community, and if people are dumping garbage in the drains, that is wrong,” he said.

COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Dr Ali then went on to say: “For us, the roads and everything are beautiful. But we have to understand what is collective responsibility, what is collective ownership and that is what is missing, people taking collective responsibility and collective ownership.”

Additionally, concerns regarding the lack of street lights and drainage were addressed. The Head of State disclosed that 29 kilometres of internal community drains will be done.

Additionally, the engagement with residents were not just built on addressing safety and drainage concerns, but also on ensuring that Guyanese, regardless of where they reside, got an equal chance to be a beneficiary of the GOAL scholarship programme.

There were forms along with assistance from a team from GOAL to aid those interested.
As it relates to concerns regarding the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, Guyana Water Inc (GWI), and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Dr Ali said that the heads of these agencies will be present today from 09:00hrs to address existing concerns.

“I want the head for these agencies to be here…,” he said.
Not allowing any excuse to emerge, the President told the various staff members: “[You all] will work from here [Good Hope] tomorrow [today].”

As many took the time to share their views, they also acknowledged the rapid transformation that the country has been undergoing.

For instance, one man stated: “I must say that I’m very thankful and happy that our President has visited Good Hope… I will like to congratulate the President and the First Lady for the great work they have been doing in this country, which no other President and First Lady ever did.

“They are all there to solve problems [for] the people and we must thank God for this President.” the resident boldly remarked, which was met with a resounding round of applause from others.
Minister Parag expressed her unwavering commitment to guaranteeing that there is continued development across the country.

She said: “We want to bring development and continue development in the community, and so that necessarily means that we have to engage you and we have to hear from you, so that we can effectively carry on that development. So, this afternoon [Monday], we are here to see what’s needed in the community, what has been done in the community, and how best we can satisfy your needs in the community.”

Adding to this, Minister Rodrigues echoed similar sentiments and also commended President Ali for his leadership, even in the holy month of Ramadan.

The minister said: “As we know we’re in the month of Ramadan and it seems like the President is even busier during this month, even though he’s fasting [he’s] giving service and that has been the identity of this People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration. So wherever you are, we will come into your communities, your villages, your churches, your mosques, your temples, your bottom houses and schools. Wherever you are, we will make ourselves available to you.”

She then went on to say: “This community as you would have already known is undergoing a massive transformation.”
As she continued to reflect on how both the housing and water sectors have undergone a massive facelift, the minister said that within the last three years, 14,400 house lots have been allocated on the East Coast corridor. To be specific, in Good Hope, 2,880 house lots were allocated.