DURING a recent community outreach on the Corentyne, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat underscored the ongoing transformation of Berbice and the continuous improvements in the lives of its residents. He emphasised that regional development remains a top priority, with numerous initiatives and projects driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, and creating enhanced opportunities for citizens.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable progress, ensuring that Berbice continues to thrive as a key region in the country’s development. He said, “Our country and our people are developing and are progressing, people are doing much better than they did before.”

He added, “I’m sure if I were to ask you if your life has improved in the last four years you would tell me yes that you would have benefitted in some way or the other, whether you got a house lot through the government housing programme, whether someone for you is studying through the GOAL scholarship, whether someone from your family is going to the University of Guyana free now, whether you collected your cash grant, whether the healthcare in Berbice has improved, whether the education system and our children is doing better, has improved, our children are receiving their cash grant once again, that is what we would have done over the last four years.”

According to him, a born Berbician, at one point in Berbice, the only “good road used to be this public road”; however, the current administration has worked to improve infrastructure and roads within every community. “Look at the transformation today and sometimes we need to reflect on the past to appreciate where we are today and also to know the direction in which we are going as a country.”

He noted that in the past, residents would often sell their property to seek opportunities abroad, but now, due to the ongoing development in Guyana, many are choosing to return rather than leave. “These changes are happening in our country, and it has transformed so significantly that at times we may take it for granted,” he remarked.

He further highlighted that oil and gas have brought significant positive attention to Guyana, stating, “The reality is, our lives, our communities, and our country have undergone a transformation, and this is just the beginning.”

Additionally, Minister Bharrat encouraged those gathered at the community meeting in Number 54 Village, Corentyne, to take pride in Guyana’s progress and the positive transformations taking place across the country. He urged citizens to embrace a sense of patriotism as he emphasised that national development is a collective effort.

Minister Bharrat also assured residents that investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities will persist as he further stressed that development will continue in every part of Guyana.