Opposition councilors stymying development

─ D’Edward residents frustrated with inactivity of council

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, August 18, 2019

Residents of D’Edward Village and neighbouring communities are left to suffer as a result of political ill will by opposition Councillors on the Rosignol Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

This came to light during a community meeting held with the Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Hon. Annette Ferguson. The minister had directed a resident’s concerns over drainage to the council’s overseer, Gomattie Chandipersaud.

The council’s overseer explained that while she holds the position, she is unable to enact projects once the council does not approve the project to be carried out. However, she alleged that the council is making her work difficult as they do not approve any projects to improve the community.

It was at this point that Councilor Christopher Wordsworth rose to provide some clarity to the situation. Wordsworth explained that the current council is made up of eighteen members. Of this number, only three are APNU/AFC aligned members, while fourteen of them are supporters of the opposition. Wordsworth relayed that any project that is brought to them, especially for communities that are considered areas where government supporters reside, are shut down immediately. This has led to a stymying of developmental works within the NDC catchment area.

Minister Ferguson took this opportunity to offer a few words of advice to the members of the community on the importance of local government.

“We have to be mindful, and that is why I continue to say to citizens, when you elect people, elect those who have the interest of your community at heart, and not just because of party.”

These sentiments were echoed by Wordsworth who reminded the people that: “We are here in support of development. The APNU/AFC government is a government for each and every one of you, this government is for every single person.”