Min. Norton, DG Harmon resolve De Kinderen community issue
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, September 5, 2019
Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, this afternoon, met with residents of De Kinderen, West Coast of Demerara (WCD) to address the development of a community ground into a multipurpose facility.
During a community meeting held at the end of August last, residents had called for the establishment of a multi-purpose centre and playground in the area to support talented youths.
At that meeting, Minister Norton had reminded residents that the government had already committed $7.7M for the development of the Boerasirie community ground. At that meeting too, some residents had suggested that the land of the old GuySuCo’s “Pay Office” be converted since it has suitable space for such a facility.
According to Minister Norton, there seemed to have been some issues among some residents regarding which of the facilities the money should be invested.
“Some wanted, rather than the Boerasirie ground, the pay office ground to be done. And they did not want to continue with the Boerasirie,” Dr Norton explained.
However, since the money was already allocated to develop the Boerasirie ground, Dr. Norton said the work will continue. He said the other ground will also be developed.
Director-General Harmon explained to residents that monies have already been allocated for the development of the Boerasirie ground, and the contract has already been signed. He said to change that now, would be to induce a lengthy process.
“If we want to change this, what it would mean is that it would have to go back to the Ministry of Communities which will have to get permission from the Ministry of Finance to apply this money to anything else.”
He said the process could take a while and the community could eventually lose the money while awaiting the changes as the end of the year is swiftly approaching.
“This money is being allocated and, in my view, it should be spent for that purpose”, the minister stated which was met with agreement by the residents.
Work on the Boerasirie ground will commence next week, while residents will start the clearing of the “pay office” the following week.