Powering our schools!

— Min. Norton commits to sourcing batteries for Tapakuma Primary

By Nikosi Bruce

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, May 30, 2019

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton made a commitment to acquire five new solar panel batteries to restore power to the Tapakuma Lake Primary School.

Minister Norton was made aware of the need for the batteries during a community meeting held at the Mainstay Multi-Purpose Hall at Lake Mainstay on Wednesday following the ‘Government comes to you’ outreach at Damon Square, Anna Regina.

Fenton Williams, the teacher-in-charge at the primary school, lamented the current state of electricity at the school. “At present, our electricity supply is down. Government would have put in place a solar supply electricity system which to date, the batteries for the system have expired, and so the school is without any electricity.

Minister Norton clarified that while he was made aware of the matter some months ago, it was not the only school in need of assistance.

“We have encountered similar situations elsewhere in Guyana. We managed to resolve those and we hope to resolve this situation here in Tapakuma, especially since I had promised them. I hope that I would be able to source the funding to supply them with those five solar batteries.”

This was well received by the resident who was thrilled that he was able to raise this particular issue again as he continues to lobby for the problem to be rectified since the lack of power is affecting his ability to work.

[In the photo, from left to right] Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma.

Minister Norton takes time to greet each resident.

Teacher-in-charge at the Tapakuma Lake Primary, Fenton Williams.

Residents of the small Indigenous village of Mainstay Whyaka were treated to a community meeting with three government ministers; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma and Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott.

The members of the community took this time to acknowledge and praise the government for the works they have done within the community over the years.

Images: Giovanni Gajie