By Bebi Shafeah Oosman

– residents say upgrades to infrastructure, social amenities have improved their lives

RESIDENTS living in West Canje, Berbice, once considered a distant and often forgotten area, are now singing praises for the tremendous transformation their communities have experienced over the past five years.

From improved infrastructure to enhanced social amenities, residents said that the level of development has significantly improved their quality of life.

Diane Shines of Sandvoort Village, West Canje, Berbice, shared her satisfaction with the progress made in her community, stating, “thus far the development taking place in Sandvooort is really great. The reason I am saying this [is that] over the years, all the development we got in that area is every time PPP take office they would have done something for that community and we move from mud road to pitch road, we move from a small building which was the primary school to a larger one where the children get more space where they can learn; the learning capacity is far more better. The health centre in the community, we are grateful for it because we don’t have to go all the way out in New Amsterdam. In case persons get ill it easier for you get help.”

She further highlighted the addition of critical utilities and recreational facilities that have brought new opportunities to residents, especially young people and women in the area. “We get electricity. So far we get a ballfield there and it is very good and normally we got to come all the way to Locaber for the kids to do sports, now we can get that done right in the community. In the afternoon we can go and the children can play football and cricket, and females can play circle tennis, it’s one of the exercises I love, and females can go and play. So, the development is vast, we have so many other opportunities and I am grateful for it.”

Residents from neighbouring villages have also expressed similar sentiments.

Andrew (only name given) of Locaber Village, West Canje Berbice, welcomed the improvements taking place and shared his hopes for continued progress.

He said, “We are really happy to see the development that has happened in the community. We have seen they [are] doing a lot of things; they extended the play park, the ballfield a lot of work, things are doing for the first time and I hope that they continue.”

The developments across West Canje reflect a renewed focus on rural communities, with residents now enjoying better roads, improved education facilities, access to healthcare, electricity, and recreational spaces. For many, these changes represent long-awaited progress and renewed hope for even greater opportunities in the future.

Meanwhile, over in Betsy Ground, East Canje Berbice, Monique (only name given) said that she has seen improvements in almost all of the cross streets in her area while adding “now we get good water too.”

Another young resident of Betsy Ground said, “for the first time in Betsy Ground we have a proper bridge where vehicle can drive over. Plus, we never had good water [and] now we have good water from GWI, and they doing a lot of roads, the crossroads them vehicle can cross comfortable.”

Gudwattie Kuldip of Betsy Ground also shared glowing praise for the ongoing works in her community, describing the level of development as tremendous and long overdue.

She noted that the improvements have brought greater ease and comfort to residents, particularly with the upgrading of road infrastructure that has improved accessibility and daily transportation.

Expressing her appreciation, Kuldip said, “They are doing a great job. They build the cross streets, and I really admire them.”

According to several residents, the upgraded streets have significantly reduced flooding and mud related inconveniences that once plagued the community, making travel safer, smoother, and more convenient for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.

They further noted that Betsy Ground is home to a large number of elderly residents who now enjoy easier and safer access to run their daily errands, attend to medical appointments, and move about the community with greater independence.