Citizens have to decide who they want to manage oil funds – Min. Hughes
─ ICT courses, heavy-duty operator training soon for BV youths
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., held an interactive community meeting at the Beterverwagting Secondary School, on July 3.
Speaking first was Minister Trotman, who explained that despite what some ‘purveyors of doom’ may preach on television, now is not the time to become complacent. He acknowledged that being a minister is a hectic job, but they are making an effort to get on the ground and interact with citizens.
He urged residents to remember that “everything comes in time… look beyond what is possible in what will be the fastest-growing economy in the world.”
Supporting her colleague, Minister Hughes wished that many had the chance to travel and understand how the world views this country as “Guyana, South America is the hottest place to be right now”. She explained that this was due to the oil and gas sector hence, Guyana needed to be under prudent management to handle the coming oil wealth for all citizens. She reminded that the opposition declined to take up their places on state boards, noting their tardiness in parliamentary affairs instead of cooperating to work with the government to take Guyana forward.
“In the four short years despite, the opposition’s intransigence, the government has moved Guyana forward and continues to do what it has to do.”
The minister reminded of how many, especially East Coast residents, had to hurry home after nightfall due to the crime wave. The Coalition Government, she vowed, would ensure that this would not reoccur. The minister called for a partnership between residents and the government to improve their communities to ensure a good life for all.
“It is up to you to decide who you want to manage the money come 2020, let us [take a] look at the last four years, at what your government has been able to achieve.”
The minister offered free training in ICT for residents, especially self-employed women and highlighted a new cooperation programme with MACORP. The latter will see heavy-duty machinery operator training being offered to youths.
Issues raised by residents included the “half-completed” main and other roads, the failure of village’s councils and officials to perform their duties, a “lack of vision” by community leaders, the lack of bills of quantities for works.
Information data was compiled on the residents’ issues to be addressed with relevant agencies and ministries.
Also, in attendance at the community meeting were the Chairman for the BV/Triumph Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Jamal Baggot, Vice-Chairman, Laloo Techand and other NDC officials.
Images: Karime Peters, Ameer Sattaur