–as VP leads successful Public Day in Linden despite Opposition’s attempts to disrupt exercise

AFTER a marathon day of engagements with residents at Watooka Guest House in Linden, Vice‑President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that on-the-ground technical teams and other government officials were able to offer immediate relief to residents, and respond adequately to concerns while also outlining plans for sustained investment in healthcare, housing, and major infrastructure.

Dr. Jagdeo spent the day meeting residents and community leaders to hear first‑hand about challenges ranging from land‑lease disputes and housing concerns, to access to social assistance.

He emphasised the administration’s focus on enduring solutions rather than short‑term fixes.

“We have encountered similar issues across the country, and the government is committed to working to resolve all of these issues for people everywhere in our country, regardless of where they live, and the people of Region 10 are no exception,” he said, adding, “So we will just continue doing what we are doing, which is keeping a focus on what matters most to our country and our people.”

He pointed to recent rises in public‑sector wages, and increases in pensions and cash grants as examples of steady measures already underway to support households.

Dr. Jagdeo also addressed local concerns about housing and land leases directly, promising follow‑up from technical teams and ministers.

He reiterated that the administration remains accessible, noting: “From the president leading from his level to almost all the ministers, we kept that essential feature of our party open.”

Dr. Jagdeo contrasted his approach with what he described as past administrations’ “aloofness.”

He added: “We have always been accessible to people on the ground, and we continue to do so, from the president leading from his level to almost all the ministers.”

Further, on housing, Dr. Jagdeo said State-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has confirmed plans to regularise those areas which will see almost 1,000 residents receiving their formal documents.

He indicated that the move would bring long-awaited certainty to families who have built homes on lands not yet titled.

The day’s proceedings continued, uninterrupted, even as the Opposition pushed past the barricades at the entrance of the Watooka Guest House and attempted to disrupt the exercise with constant chanting.

Dr. Jagdeo criticised those attempts, describing them as distractions that failed to deter residents from engaging.

“It didn’t deter the large number of people who showed up here today. They were hoping that people would boycott coming to this activity; they failed miserably,” Dr. Jadeo said.

He thanked the community for turning out, and reaffirmed the government’s intent to focus on practical outcomes rather than partisan noise.

“It shows that people don’t care too much for the politics when it concerns their lives,” he added.