Gov’t has great vision for Wakapoa – Minister Garrido – Lowe

GINA, GUYANA, Monday, May 29, 2017

The community of Wakapoa will soon see a number of initiatives being implemented by the government that will improve their well-being. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe met with residents of the Region Two community over the weekend, and updated them on the planned developments.

At a meeting held at the Yarashima Primary School, Minister Garrido-Lowe related that there will be major improvements in the coming months in the areas of education, health, and security among others in the community.

Minister Garrido-Lowe stated, “the government has not forgotten you, and you are important to us.” She explained to the residents gathered that the vision and mission of the government are to provide and create opportunities in indigenous communities that are available on the coastland.

It was highlighted that the secondary school in the village already has a well-established Information Technology (IT) laboratory; all that is needed, the residents said is internet access. Minister Garrido-Lowe explained to the residents that Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes has being working to make sure that the hinterland is connected to the coastland, and for residents there to be informed as news unfolds.

Additionally, during the interaction, a number of issues were raised by residents. Some of these include flooding, security of schools, electricity and recreational facilitates for youths and sports.

Anthony Richards told the Minister that it is very expensive for parents to send the children to secondary school. He explained that it costs a family $1000 per week, per child for transportation. On this issue, Minister Garrido-Lowe assured that she will look into it and provide some form of assistance.

Residents highlighted that the youths in the area are very talented, especially in the sport of football. They noted that there is a pavilion in the community that requires repair, and a playfield needs to be constructed for the young people. Minister Garrido-Lowe in response said that she is aware that the males are talented, and explained that in the coming months assistance will be given to them in the form of a training coach.

Additionally, the Minister visited Mora Settlement. She spoke with residents on the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Programme, and gathered information from participants of the programme on the business that they would have established from the cash grant that was given to them at the end of their training. The Minister was told that some of the young women have established poultry rearing enterprises, grocery stores and a fuel retail business.

Importantly, residents told the Minister that there is a great need for higher education for residents. Minister Garrido-Lowe assured that once they have the requirements, the Ministry would assist in every way possible to ensure that this is made possible.

Additionally, talks began on having a policing group established, as well as a Women’s group.

Minister Garrido-Lowe commended the residents of both villages on the progress that they have made thus far, and asked them to be patient with the government and Ministry as they deliver the promises that they would have promised.

 

By: Gabreila Patram