Hinterland development will continue with oil revenue – MP Williams assures
— “The driving force behind Guyana’s development is President Granger”
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 25, 2019
“Fairview [village] has seen some development over the last four years,” said Ministerial Advisor for the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Mervyn Williams, on his outreach to Fairview Village, Region 8.
MP Williams noted, however, there is much more development in the pipeline for the hinterland communities. He cited His Excellency, President David Granger’s plans for improving the community when offshore oil production begins next month.
According to Williams, the Head of State has promised the hinterland region well-needed benefits upon reaping oil. Improved delivery education, improved public infrastructure development, improved healthcare delivery services, and a sovereign wealth fund are the focus areas.
“Here is the president’s position on how the revenue on oil will be utilised. He has expressed his wish to see a top secondary school in every region, a school in every community across this country’s hinterland, and continued support through the 5 B’s programme – books, breakfast, boats, bicycles and buses to ensure that children go to school, stay in school, receive an education from nursery to university as is provided foreign or national constitution free of cost. That is among the items that will fall within the realm of improved education,” Williams explained.
The MP reminded Fairview about the abolishment of free education under the People’s Progressive Party in 1993 to 2015. “Education is not a privilege; it is a right. A constitutional right,” Williams clarified.
He also highlighted the improvements already seen under President Granger’s governing. “For the first time in history, we have 72 hinterland villages with free WiFi under this government.”
The concreted roads built in Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Moruca and Lethem under the current administration’s tenure were also noted. “It’s my sincere hope that you recognise the good that has flown over these past four years compared to the 23 years,” Williams said.
The MP concluded with an insightful and optimistic message – “People prefer to vote for what they feel, [they] feel confident, feel happier, feel safer. The confidence built up with the government, they can now feel a sense of confidence and trust in the government. Confidence is rebuilt, and people feel more comfortable in their own environment.”