Recent elections raised awareness in Linden constituencies

DPI, Guyana, Friday, December 7, 2018

Following the recently held Local Government Elections (LGE), residents of constituencies in Linden have become more conscious of their role in the process of democracy and provision of services.

Residents have realised that their elected representatives cannot do it alone and they too have to play a role in assisting with the fulfilment of their needs.

West Watooka residents participating in a self-help clean-up campaign in their community.

West Watooka residents participating in a self-help clean-up campaign in their community.

One of the main concerns is the maintenance of their environment, relative to clearing overgrown areas and regular garbage collection and disposal.  With the Linden council making strides in the provision of these services, the residents have decided to collaborate with the Council to tackle the issue

Setting an early example are Constituency Five residents, particularly from West Watooka, who organised a massive clean-up campaign. The organiser of the campaign Miss Doris said that the residents have all supported the venture and have received their constituency Councillor and Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell.

Arrindell said that she is pleased that the residents have embarked on the clean-up exercise. She noted that that self-help is also an element of democracy since the residents are not just seeking the assistance of the municipality but instead offering their assistance in return.

Plans are in place to have the clean- up exercise conducted every two months. Residents of Constituency Four have also demonstrated the spirit of self-help in keeping their communities clean, more so the residents of Richmond Hill who have remained vigilant to litterbugs. Recently a supermarket owner was made to go down into a steep bushy area in Richmond Hill and retrieve several pieces of garbage he had illegally dumped.

Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.