Stand firm with your Government – Minister Trotman
―Wisburg assured that oil resources will be used to diversify economy
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has called on Wisburg, Linden residents to stand firm with the Coalition Government, as he assured of its commitment to ensuring that their issues are addressed and livelihoods improved.
Minister Trotman said the government is aware of their challenges hence the hosting of the various outreaches across the country.
He then outlined Guyana’s expected economic gains when it begins oil production by the ending of 2019. “Watch with us for a few more months” he urged.
Sharing the stage with Minister Trotman was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma. He told residents it was their government’s intention to build the nation “community by community.”
Minister Sharma noted that contrary to falsehoods of government not having done much for local communities, funds have been allocated in the budget for infrastructure development in rural areas, as well as for training programmes to benefit communities. “Financial constraints are one of the reasons for us not doing everything all at once” he stated.
In relation to Guyana’s oil find, Minister Sharma confirmed that legislation will be put in place to protect the people, so they could have the good life. “Foundation has to be set; we can’t depend on oil alone … We have to use the oil wealth to diversify” he said.
During the interactive meeting, Wiscrock resident, Evanie Gittings told the minister her community needed a shopping centre. Eucy Mc Farlene from Wisrock, Phase 2 requested lights for a ball field in his community. Joy Frasier, also from Wisrock, Phase 2, asked about development for her region, while other residents, spoke extensively of the need for proper roads in their community.
In response, Minister Trotman committed to providing lamp posts for the street lights already being provided by the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, to the community.
In terms of development for the Upper Demerara-Berbice region, Minister Trotman assured residents that development was across the board for every community and that work has already started, for proper management of the national patrimony.
Minister Sharma added that a committee has already been appointed to monitor, as well as the GYEITI has been set up to monitor the extractive industries.
There were also calls for more employment opportunities for young people, an area with Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Simona Broomes is addressing, entrepreneurship and a school feeding programme, among others.
Felecia Valenzuela
Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan