“Get registered, it’s your right” – Min Hastings-Williams

– residents of Jawalla urged to beware of ‘fake news’ being peddled by opposition politicians

DPI, Guyana, Friday, August 01, 2019

“It’s the right of all Guyanese t0 be registered. It is not only for elections or voting purposes.”

This was the message delivered by Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams to residents of Jawalla, Region 7, during a community meeting, on August 1

Jawalla is a village at the confluence of the Mazaruni and Kukui Rivers. Addressing is residents, the State Minister reminded that all persons from ages 14 and above needed to be registered.

“Even when you’re 18, you may wish to buy a motor car and for you to drive, you have to get a driver’s license. To get your driver’s license, you must have your ID card. You may want to open a bank account, or you may a pensioner who wants to uplift their pension book… If you don’t have your ID card by then, you will not be able to do so.

Jawalla residents in Region 7 during a community meeting with Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams

Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams interacting with Jawalla residents in Region 7

Minister of State, Hon. Dawn Hastings-Williams with Jawalla residents after her donation of sport gear and school supplies

Minister Hastings, who hails from Kako in the same region, cited her case as an example.

“I’m not from Georgetown, so tomorrow I will go and register myself because it is very important. With that, I will be able to get my new ID card.”

She explained that even for potential job seekers who had to obtain a police clearance, or even travel, an identification card was necessary, “that is how important it is!”

The need for birth certificates was raised and the minister revealed that a team from the Department of Citizenship will be visiting the community soon to expedite this process.

Minister Hastings-Williams also dissuaded residents from listening to “fake news” being peddled by some opposition politicians about the government. She updated those in attendance about the current status of the Coalition Government and pledged support for the community’s continued development.

Several items including sport gear and supplies were also donated. The ministerial visit, and interactive meeting was among several conducted by senior government officials across Region 7 in various communities.