Monkey Mountain residents assured concerns will be addressed
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The residents of Monkey Mountain, North Pakaraima Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) have been assured that the government will address their calls for improved roads, healthcare and communication services.
The assurance was given by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, during a recent ministerial outreach.
On the issue of communication, Minister Garrido-Lowe explained that the government is currently embarking on a programme that will ensure communities are equipped with internet connectivity regardless of their location.
This, Minister Garrido-Lowe added, will complement the radio stations commissioned in Mabaruma, Region One, Lethem and Aishalton, Region Nine, Mahdia, Region Eight and Orealla, Region Six.
“Improved communication will curb the misinformation reaching the indigenous people and every effort is being made by the coalition government, towards bridging the gap between the hinterland and the coastland.”
On the matter of roads, the minister heard of the untimely payment for completed road rehabilitation works and the length of time it takes for contracts to be awarded. She promised to engage the Regional Executive Officer (REO) on these issues.
“This is where we need your voices and your suggestions and proposals. Every village speaks about the state of the roads at every meeting and the urgent need for them to be fixed; if we have that in writing I am sure that it will be considered.”
Improved health services in the hinterland are also being addressed by the Public Health Ministry. This year, $40Million was allocated for the completion of Mahdia District Hospital and the construction of a nurses’ hostel at Mahdia.
Addressing the issue of land titling, Minister Garrido-Lowe said that, “there are various issues that were around for a very long time and remain unsolved, dating back to almost twenty years ago as in the case of the Upper Mazaruni… I am happy to report that neighbouring Paramakatoi has been demarcated and by the end of 2018, four additional villages will receive titles.”
By: Synieka Thorne.
Images: Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.