– during visit to riverine communities
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has met residents of Fort Island during a visit to riverine communities in the Essequibo River yesterday, and brought several practical ideas to boost the community’s tourism potential.
Accompanied by presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Mr. Donald Ramotar, Minister of Housing and Water Mr. Irfaan Ali and Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Mr. Robeson Benn, President Jagdeo met a gathering of residents on the lawns of the famous Court of Policy Hall for discussions on several community issues.
The Court of Policy Hall, along with Fort Zeelandia in the same vicinity, are two of several edifices standing since in the era of Dutch occupation of Guyana. Through the auspices of the National Trust of Guyana, the site along with several others across the country, have been preserved, restored and designated Heritage Museums.
Fort Zeelandia and the Court of Policy Hall are 18th Century buildings erected by  then architect and Governor Mr. Laurence Storm van Gravesande in 1744.
Fort Zeelandia housed quarters for soldiers and non-commissioned officers. The red brick structure included guns on the roof and armoury in its south-western bastion. The Court of Policy served the purpose of a building for court hearings and church services.
Its ancient design and the artifacts displayed on the inside including maps, banners and illustrations among others have attracted visitors near and far including tourists.
During yesterday’s meeting, residents highlighted the need for renovation of the dilapidated Fort Island stelling, which President Jagdeo acknowledged must be a welcoming sight to tourists.
The Head of State suggested that members of the community with responsibility for management of the Hall, adopt a level of formality in attire and other impressions as a means of promotion for the historic site.
The residents pointed out that the community has skilled stakeholders in the art and craft sector, who President Jagdeo suggested should be included on the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce’s roster.
Only recently, President Jagdeo expressed willingness to establish a special credit facility for stakeholders in the art and craft sector, including a $10M fund for the same group.
Fort Island is a tranquil community in the Essequibo River with an estimated 30 houses and residents used the occasion to highlight a number of their woes including access to secondary education for youths.
One resident was in favour of a secondary school on the island and President Jagdeo said the possibility will be explored by the Ministry of Education.
He promised to donate a batch of ten computers to the community and enlightened residents about the learning channel which broadcasts educational content on a 24-hour basis.
With the plan to donate solar panels to every Amerindian and riverine community for electricity, government intends to donate at least one television set to each of the schools for children to benefit from the services provided by the educational channel.