‘Elect leaders who will work for you’ – Min. Allicock tells Matarkai residents
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 5, 2018
Local Government Elections (LGE) is scheduled for November 12 and the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock has challenged the residents in the Matarkai Sub-District to elect leaders who will work for them.
Minister Allicock was in the Barima-Waini Region (Region One) sub-district over the weekend engaging residents of Eclipse Falls, Four Miles, Oronoque and Canal Bank. He sought to enlighten them on the importance of voting at LGE and the need for them to go out and vote on November 12.
At the community engagement at Eclipse Falls (Falls Top), Minister Allicock emphasised that “proper representation is critical to moving the community development forward. So, it is important that you go out and vote, there is where your voices will be heard. And you have persons who will come and tell you all sorts of things, but you must be able to sit and think about who is best suited to represent you.”
The residents had the opportunity to raise their concerns about issues affecting them, a major one being land.
Minister Allicock explained the issue of land titling and demarcation is one that the government has been working to address in communities across the country. “You are not the only community, we have a number of other communities that we have noted and we will take the necessary steps to ensure the issue is addressed so that the development of this community can move forward,” the minister assured.
One Resident, Alga Marks explained that it costs almost $25,000 to travel to and from Port Kaituma to uplift her pension, which is another challenge for the people of Eclipse Falls.
In this regard, Minister Allicock said he will discuss the issue at his ministry to see what assistance can be given to the village to aid with transportation.
He also noted that representation will be made to ensure that a police outpost is established in the area.
During the walkabout in Oronoque, Port Kaituma, the residents complained about the lack of proactive leaders. One resident said the village was given funds by the government to embark on a number of community projects, but there is also the lack of proper management and accountability.
“This is why it is important for you to go out and vote, because if you had a body who is serious about your welfare some of these things would have been addressed… This is the issue we have been having, persons not being able to account for community asset, this is taxpayer’s money. It is time we put an end to this,” Minister Allicock reiterated.
The minister and his team also visited communities in Matthews Ridge and Mabaruma.
Synieka Thorne
Images by Kennyann Bacchus