-NTC conference ends today
Toshaos and village councillors interacted with government ministers yesterday, the fourth day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC).
Issues such as the rehabilitation of main access roads, health workers to man health posts, construction of a secondary school in Powaikuru, Region One, the supply of radio sets and outboard engines, construction of a new primary school and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for Region 7 were among some of the issues discussed.
Sydney John, Toshao of Kambaru, Region 7, requested a 40 horse power engine to transport school children from Waramadong, for farming equipment for and an ATV.
Several agricultural requests were made by Toshaos of Regions 1, 4, 9 and 10, especially for the supply of corn, rice and cassava mills for processing.
Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, in response to a request from Toshao of Swan village, James Domingo, committed to providing transportation to the village by September for school children to and from their respective destinations. Government also committed to supply an ATV for Region 7 residents.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud lauded the Toshaos, especially Kimbia’s Yvonne Walker, for their bold step in experimenting with processing, since two years ago government explored the option with the residents to embark on the initiative.
He noted that if other communities in the region are also interested, the ministry will look at ways to get them started, and to have them trained in the proper use of the cassava mills.
With respect to the procurement of cassava mills, he encouraged the Toshaos to formulate a plan and government will supply the equipment in partnership with the regions, through their presidential grants. This is necessary since the equipment is costly.
Technical staff will also visit the various regions to assist and to give support where necessary.
The issue of electricity to be supplied to the Princeville/Mahdia areas and the rehabilitation of the main access roads were also raised by Toshao of Campbelltown, Ivan Pio.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds assured that electricity under the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP) will be installed shortly, while plans are apace to rehabilitate the road from Mahdia to Princeville. The contract has already been awarded.
Electricity under the UAEP will also be made available to Orealla/Siparuta, Region 6 residents shortly.
A female police officer will be stationed at the Mahdia police station shortly. Accommodation for the officer is nearing completion, according to Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.
A vehicle will also be made available to officers of the Mahdia Police station, while assurances were given by the minister that fire arm licence requests will be processed.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai also assured Toshaos who made requests for brush cutters that the equipment will be made available shortly, while the Sports Minister will make provision to supply areas with sports gear. (GINA)