APNU+AFC a Government that Delivers

―$100M for drainage and irrigation

―40 agreements of sale for lands handed out to Coomacka residents

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Press Release – Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Forty residents of Coomacka Mines, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, Region 10 on April 30, received their agreements of sale for lands for the construction of their homes.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton presented the documents to the residents at the Coomacka Recreational facility following meaningful discussions with residents on the evening of April 30.

This followed the “Government Comes to You” outreach in the mining town, the seventh to be held nationwide which is aimed at bringing the services of the government to the people.

Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams said the agreements would ensure squatting is eliminated and all Guyanese can have the opportunity to have their own homes and assured that the Government will continue to deliver to its people.

“We not only make promises, but we follow up, then we deliver. So, I am very happy that we could have given out at least forty agreements of sale that’s an indication that you will soon have your own land titles. Government will continue to work for you and address your issues, we believe in coming to listen to you and find out what your issues are”.

Addressing the developmental plans for Coomacka Mines, Minister Hastings-Williams noted that “I understand that it was over one hundred and forty-nine titles in process, and we delivered forty today. I also understand when it rains you suffer from a lot from flooding so to assist with flooding, you have one hundred million dollars ($100M) budgeted”.

Minister Allicock also reminded residents of the Government’s commitment towards development. He said the approach taken by the Administration to ensure development “is not a one-way street, Government can only do so much and you also can only do so much, coming together will make things happen in a more timely manner with respect and that is why it is so crucial for us to understand that in development everyone has a responsibility.”

In his remarks, Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton guaranteed that “you in Coomacka can enjoy same benefits like other comminutes and that is why we are here to work with you, to find out what it is you want and how we can help you.”

Youth development and building a cohesive Guyana remains a top priority and according to Dr. Norton, “we want to be able to help the youths… The Coalition Government has you in their heart and I want to tell you this there is no man that influences me so much when I hear President Granger speak about the legacy he wants to leave for our youths”.

Meanwhile, after receiving her agreement of sale a jubilant Odessa Bremner said “I feel so happy, overjoyed! I have been waiting for this for quite a while now, so I am happy, and my son got through too. I’m very happy and thankful to the Government for all they have done for us here in Coomacka.”.

Residents received their allotment via a “Lotto Style” selection process with the remaining one hundred and nine allocations to be completed shortly.

During Tuesday’s outreach in Region 10, hundreds took the opportunity to have their decades-old land issues addressed as Government continues to reach out to the people.

Alethea Grant

Communications Officer

Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs