Blueberry Hill/Christianburg residents to get Covid grant -Minister Todd

-assures them that provisions are in place for Region 10

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd, today, assured residents of Blueberry Hill and Christianburg, Region 10, that interventions would be made to ensure that they receive their $25,000 per household COVID-19 relief cash grant.

He made this commitment after residents informed him that they had not yet received their grant, during a meeting. The Minister’s engagement formed part of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali outreach to the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region.

“We are going to address the COVID-19 relief cash grant immediately. I am going to make some calls to ensure each and every one of you receive your grant immediately,” Minister Todd said.

President Ali announced the grant on September 7, 2020 for every household, to help cushion the effects of the pandemic. The provision numbered among several budgetary measures designed to bring immediate relief to persons bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, residents also told Minister Todd that they have been hampered by inadequate internet access, dilapidated roads and a lack of street lights. They also said that they needed better drainage, potable water and training and jobs for young people.

The Minister assured them that these matters would be submitted to the relevant authorities for redress.  He also said that while the administration has several national goals outlined in its manifesto, development must start from the bottom up and it requires input from all stakeholders.

“We cannot have a disconnect. We need to know what your immediate needs [are] and have them addressed. We want to let you know we are one of you. We are with you and we want to let you know that we are not going to sit in our offices… So that we can together, in collaboration improve the lives of the people,” he said in Blueberry Hill.

Minister Todd, who hails from Region 10, said he wants to see Linden return to its glory days and he would advocate to ensure that it benefits from every Government provision. The Minister also said President Ali aims to ensure that development is balanced and equitable and that the Government’s policies are designed to ensure inclusive governance.

Additionally, Minister Todd highlighted that provisions have been made for the Region in the 2021 budget. He also assured them that the Region would always have a Government representative meeting with them to ensure that their needs are addressed.

Minister Todd was accompanied by Member of Parliament, Hon. Sanjeev Datadin.  Several other Ministers are also meeting with residents in other parts of Region 10.