‘All are equal under the Coalition’ – Min. Garrido-Lowe

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, October 20, 2019

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe met with residents of Hotoquai, in Region One on Saturday. During the engagement, she emphasised that regardless of the geographic location, all were equal under the Coalition Government.

The minister was among a team of her colleagues, who met with residents across the region’s communities to listen to their concerns and discern solutions to issues faced.

Minister Garrido-Lowe focused on the efforts to push hinterland development, as part of the move to bridge the gap between the hinterland and coastal region. This thrust, she noted, inspired the administration’s move to declare new towns and ensure the decentralisation of critical services.

“You don’t have to travel to Georgetown when the towns are fully functioning. You travel to your own town, which is in Mabaruma and you get your passports and birth certificates, right there. Your TIN, everything you need right there. Hospitals are being upgraded. Specialists are being trained; they will come.”

The minister explained that the government’s efforts to bring development also resulted not only in the innovative construction of concrete roads but also the offering of various training programmes. The latter, she noted, will not only lead to personal development but that of the communities.

“If they [residents] learn carpentry and joinery, they can go to another village and work. They can travel to Georgetown and work. They can travel to Brazil and work. Why? Because they have a skill. Once you acquire a skill, you can travel anywhere and earn for yourself.”

These and other measures, the minister stated, would not be meaningful unless parents and other stakeholders understand their roles.

“You have to teach them [children] them right from wrong, respect, for you, themselves, for teachers, for elders. You have to look out for them.”

The community is set to benefit from a 40HP outboard motor, a solar-powered ICT Hub, more training opportunities for youths and presidential grants to be utilised in community projects.

The interactive meeting was one of several organised across the region, by the Coalition Government, to listen and help find solutions to some of the challenges faced by residents. Similar meetings are planned for other regions, countrywide.