-Regional Chairman says

ACKNOWLEDGING President Dr Irfaan Ali and his administration for the substantial services they continue to provide to all communities in Region One, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley said that these initiatives have not only contributed to improving lives and livelihoods, but they have also strengthened their bonds as a people, the communities, and the region.

Speaking exclusively with the Guyana Chronicle, the Regional Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the tremendous development works that are taking place in the Barima-Waini region.

According to him, prior to 2020, the people and the region were at a “standstill” and lived in a condition of despondency under the previous administration.

Explaining the realities of how difficult life was under the previous administration compared to the life that they are currently living, Ashley said: “I am extremely pleased with the provisional services provided by President Ali and our government since taking office in 2020.

“There isn’t a village in Region One that has not significantly benefitted from the government’s initiatives, which are geared towards enhancing the lives and livelihoods of the people in this region. These initiatives have brought us much closer together as a people to the prosperity that His Excellency speaks so passionately about.

“Prior to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) taking office in 2020, the people and communities in Region One, like many other parts of this country, were stagnant. We were starved economically, and there was no economic viability to lift the livelihoods of people.”

The Regional Chairman further stated that while some people may want to argue that it was due to the cost of living in the country, he had a different view.

“Yes, the cost of living is high, but it is not limited to Guyana alone; it is high throughout the world.”

He added that one of the pluses of coping with the high cost of living in Guyana is that the PPP/C government is continuing to find ways to cushion the challenges that are posed due to this unfavourable scenario.

Furthermore, Mr Ashley stated that he is pleased to share and acknowledge the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, for delivering a minibus worth $4.2 million to the Arakaka village, another worth $4.5 million, and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to the Citrus Grove community.

“Citrus Grove and Arakaka villages received two buses from the Government of Guyana. Minister Croal graciously handed over the vehicles that will serve the people of those communities. The aim of these vehicles is to enhance the mobility of the community much more and provide the opportunity for children to get to school on a daily basis and in a timely manner. And of course, these vehicles will provide a great service to the senior citizens of the communities and their neighbouring communities as well,” Ashley related.

Ashley also explained that Mr Croal handed over a tractor to the Matthews Ridge Constituency of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which will help tremendously with the disposal and collection of garbage, as well as other agricultural services in the neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Water, via their Facebook page, said two communities within the Matarkai Sub-region, Region One, are now in receipt of vehicles, which is expected to boost their village economies.

On Saturday (July 13), Minister Croal who is the Parliamentary Representative for the region, handed over a minibus valued at $4.2 million to the leadership of Arakaka village.

It added that the community of Cirtus Grove was presented with a minibus valued at $4.5 million and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and according to the minister, the three items were purchased through a supplemental budget.

“While handing over the vehicles, the minister implored the village leaders to be responsible for the use of the vehicles. He further encouraged them to make wise decisions when it comes to the use of vehicles for boosting the economy of the villages,” the release said, adding that in keeping with a commitment by President Ali, a tractor and trailer valued at $5.8 million were handed over to the community of Matarkai in Region One, on Saturday.

The machinery will be used to improve the health and beautification of the community by collecting garbage and ensuring a clean and safe environment for residents.”