—rate access to ministers, quicker responses as key benefits of Public Day initiative

RESIDENTS of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have welcomed the Government of Guyana’s latest Cabinet public day, describing the initiative as an important opportunity for citizens to engage directly with senior government officials and have longstanding community concerns addressed.
The engagement, which was led by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and supported by ministers, regional officials and representatives from several government agencies, attracted large numbers of residents from communities across the region seeking information, assistance and solutions to a wide range of issues.
Hosted on Friday at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) office in Fort Wellington, the initiative allowed residents to raise concerns, access government services and receive updates on ongoing and planned community development projects.
Many of those who attended praised the government’s efforts to engage citizens at the grassroots level.
Speaking with members of the media on the sidelines of the outreach, resident Nicholas Sagadaye said the large turnout reflected both public confidence in the initiative and residents’ desire to play an active role in improving their communities.

“I think it is a really great initiative. Personally, it is really nice to see that the Cabinet ministers, the Vice President, can get to the level of the people continuously and the people actually show out in numbers, which also shows their interest both in the party and their desire to basically develop their communities and their own personal well-being,” Sagadaye said.
He noted that the presence of ministers alongside representatives from various government agencies made the outreach particularly beneficial for residents seeking assistance.
“The fact that they are out here in their numbers says a lot. And not just the ministers, but each department, all of the relevant departments, they’re here assisting people. We need to have more outreaches like this. I think it was well received. The crowd speaks for itself, generally speaking,” he added.
Similar sentiments were shared by Ambroziman Thomas, who said the initiative provides an avenue for residents to interact directly with ministers and government officials, something that is not always possible through regular channels.
“It is a great initiative for Region Five, where you can meet with the people in West Coast Berbice, bringing all the information and all the ministers of government coming out and reaching the people at this time, because there are so many issues that sometimes you are not able to reach the minister in person,” Thomas said.
She expressed appreciation to Vice President Jagdeo and members of the Cabinet for bringing the public day to the region.
“So, we are happy and grateful in Region Five for this government initiative,” she added.
Resident Bindrabhan Bisnauth said the public day was an event many persons in the region had been anticipating after seeing similar exercises conducted in other parts of the country.
“This is a very wonderful exercise. We had expected this for a long period. Seeing that the Vice President and team visited other regions, we were eager to have the same presence in Region Five. Fortunately for us, today is the day,” Bisnauth said.
He added that residents were pleased to see a broad cross-section of government officials present, particularly ministers responsible for sectors critical to the region’s continued development.
“I am sure people from Region Five are overwhelmed with the presence of the VP and the other ministers. Knowing Region Five is an agriculture-based region, but we are slowly diversifying now. We are elated also to have the Honorable Minister of Agriculture here,” he said.
The practical impact of the engagement was highlighted by community leader Devon Saul, who said he was able to raise concerns about infrastructure challenges affecting his area and received an immediate response.
According to Saul, issues relating to roads and drainage within his community were brought to the attention of officials during the exercise.
“We have a little problem with the road, with the little drainage and so on. I came here and I complained about it and I already have results. By Monday, I will be seeing the representatives of the different authorities in my scheme taking care of the problem in my community,” Saul said.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of such opportunities whenever government officials visit their communities.
“Just come out and give the government a chance to see what the government could do for you because remember, the government is coming to you,” he said.
The public day forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with citizens while ensuring that concerns raised at the community level are addressed promptly.
By bringing ministers, agency heads and technical officers directly into communities, the initiative seeks to improve access to government services and ensure that development remains responsive to the needs of Guyanese across the country.