Community efforts of Eclipse Falls aid with education and health

DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Sometimes all it takes is some encouragement and unity to get things done. This was the case at Eclipse Falls, Region One, where Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs’, Valerie Garrido-Lowe organised residents of the community to construct a boat for educational and health purposes.

Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman of Eclipse Falls, Emanuel Henry, community members Dennis Henry, Wesley Henry, Deon Williams, Robert Duncan, Peter Braithwaite, Michelle Obermuller, Maurine Marks, Linden Hall, Mavis MacIntyre, Joseph Williams and Lloyd Cameron will all play a role in ensuring the boat is constructed. The sum of $15,000 was contributed; $10,000 by Minister Garrido-Lowe and $5,000 by Member of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen.

The effort was organised after residents complained that students would often be absent from school as there is no boat to transport them. Additionally, they also highlighted that persons in riverine areas, especially pregnant mothers, find it hard to access medical services.

Minister Garrido-Lowe said that education and health are very important to any community. She said unity is what is needed to drive the community forward, taking into consideration that the community is already in possession of an outboard engine.

With a few words of encouragement, persons began volunteering to play different roles to ensure that students have the opportunity to an education and medical attention. The minister was assured that the boat will be constructed for the benefit of the entire community which has a population of over 400 persons.

By: Isaiah Braithwaite.