Bartica residents assured needs will be met
DPI, Guyana, Friday, June 14, 2019
Residents of Bartica were on Thursday evening left satisfied after being engaged by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman during a meeting at the community center.
Minister Trotman was accompanied by senior officers of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission. The meeting is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ continued efforts to engage residents and render assistance where it is needed.
“Mining is a part of this community and I have the responsibility of ensuring that it is done in a sustainable manner,” the Natural Resources Minister told the residents present.
“We have to find the fusion which recognizes that we are a green state, a green town that is cradled in mining,” he added.
During brief remarks, Minister Trotman reminded residents that the Coalition Government was elected to serve and ensure the needs of citizens are satisfied. The Natural Resources minister further expressed, “our job is to engage you.”
Residents of the community were not shy to air their concerns and issues and have them addressed by the minister and his team.
Leola Gonsalves, a resident of Mora Camp, Kalkoon wasted no time relating her challenges. Gonsalves who is a mother explained the difficulties she faces when sending her children to school. According to her, they would have to cross a creek to get to school which is often times a challenge during the rainy season as the creek would “swell”. She requested that a high bridge be built to facilitate the residents and children of that area.
Gonsalves was told that the matter is currently engaging the attention of the regional office which is supposed to commence work on the roadway.
Another resident, told the Minister that a sluice situated behind his property is a hazard to his life. He explained that the door is damaged and is in need of repair. As a result of this, his property as well as his neighbours’ would be subjected to flooding when the tide rises.
Minister Trotman deemed the situation a “high impact” project and asked the Regional Executive Officer to assess the work needed to be done and have it commenced.
At the end of the interactive session, Minister Trotman donated sports gears as well as agriculture equipment and seedlings to the youths and residents of the community.
Images: Tejpaul Bridgemohan