HUNDREDS of Essequibo Coast residents walked away from the Essequibo Technical Institute on Tuesday with renewed hope and relief after their concerns were heard directly by Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the government during a large-scale public outreach in Region Two.
From as early as morning, persons from communities across the region gathered at the venue, many carrying documents, medical requests and long-standing issues they hoped would finally receive attention.
For several residents, the outreach was more than just a meeting; it was a chance to sit face-to-face with ministers and senior officials without the burden of travelling to Georgetown.
Among those leaving satisfied was 77-year-old Inez Schadde of Mainstay, who arrived at the outreach in need of a wheelchair.
Within a short time, Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud ensured that the wheelchair was delivered immediately, bringing visible joy to the elderly woman and her relatives.
Another resident, Jairanie Motie, said she was grateful after a land matter that had been troubling her for some time was resolved during the exercise.
“We are very thankful for such outreach. I had a land issue and it was solved on the spot, I spoke with the housing and it was solved,” she shared.
Throughout the day, residents raised concerns relating to housing, drainage and irrigation, road repairs, employment, electricity, water supply, pensions, NIS matters and requests for medical and public assistance.
Vice-President Dr Jagdeo listened carefully as persons explained their situations, often directing officials to intervene immediately or ensure urgent follow-up action.
The outreach also saw ministers and technical officers spread across different sections of the institute, assisting residents individually.
Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Ashni Singh, met with persons experiencing NIS-related difficulties, while Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and his team engaged farmers and residents on agricultural concerns and community development matters.
Officials from ministries, including housing, health, agriculture, public works, local government and human services, worked throughout the exercise to process requests and provide guidance.
The education sector was also represented at the outreach by Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Regional Education Officer, Shondelle Hercules and officers from the Department of Education. Education-related concerns affecting schools and students in the region were discussed as officials sought ways to strengthen support services and improve the delivery of education.
Residents described the atmosphere as welcoming and productive, with many expressing appreciation that government officials were willing to engage directly with ordinary citizens.
Vice-President Jagdeo said that such outreaches form part of the government’s ongoing commitment to remaining connected with communities and ensuring issues affecting citizens are addressed in a timely manner.
