Gov’t has restored hope to Region 8 – Minister Sukhai

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, M.P, on Wednesday blasted the former administration for “neglecting” residents of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Minister Sukhai was at the time concretising the need to pass Budget 2022, as presented in the National Assembly.

Speaking during day four of the budget debates, the minister noted that $100 million was spent on road maintenance alone in Region Eight in 2022.

The project revived the region’s ailing economy which suffered from gross neglect prior to 2020.

She told the National Assembly that marginalisation of Region Eight is over since the PPP/C has returned to government.

“I want to say that over the last five years we’ve been championing support for that region and there was none forthcoming. There are very many sad stories in Region Eight, particularly in the North Pakaraimas and I continue as a Member of Parliament to travel the terrain and also bring hope to those communities. And all those communities will be treated in similar fashion as any other community across this country under the budget.”

So far, the region has benefitted from improved schools, the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Paramakatoi, roads and health centres along with health quarters in Karisparu.

This, Minister Sukhai said, will be furthered in 2022, as government takes development across the length and breadth of Guyana.

“In this year Mr. Speaker, Region Eight will expect extension of the Kato Secondary School. We will be looking at Sand Hills which is found in the Waipa community, their health centre. A spanking new medical facility which is referred to as a smart hospital will be provided to that population and we will also continue to support the building of bridges over at Monkey Creek, at Karisparu and Kaibarupai. Those are areas that are very difficult to meet.”

She assured that there will be no marginalisation or segregation of Guyanese under the PPP/C Government.

“What I’m demonstrating here, Mr Speaker is that the APNU/AFC Government had five years to do similar work and in one year we have been able to bring back comfort and hope to that once forgotten region.”

Region Eight villages are regularly visited by Minister Sukhai. Residents have received tractors, sewing machines, brush cutters, and boat and engines, among other items to assist in their development.