Department of Public Information, Guyana

Tag: Hopetown

Full confidence in the Coalition govt

– Reg. 5 youth leader declares

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, January 9, 2020

Youths across Guyana are standing firmly with the Coalition administration, and according to Region five youth leader Vinceroy Jordan, in a matter of weeks, they will make this truth known at the March 2 polls.

An energetic Vinceroy Jordan

The vibrant youth leader of the Mahaica-Berbice region, lit up the stage as he addressed a massive coalition rally held in Hopetown village Wednesday evening.

Jordan said he was representing the youths of the region and by extension, Guyana. He asserted that all are fully behind the political unit that is interested in providing the best for all.

“Tonight, we are sending a message that we are supportive of His Excellency President David Granger and we will go to the polls on March 2 in our thousands as young people and we will cast our ballots so that come the third, we will celebrate and we will rejoice that David Granger has been reelected for yet another term. Full confidence!”

Like the Head of State. Jordan said he too has an innate interest in education. The investment in and the commitment to the education sector by the government is enough for young people to stay the course. To this end, he reiterated that the Coalition remains the best choice for youths who are interested in a bright future for themselves and their children. “Young people, we need not lose focus. Let us not be narrow-sighted,” He declared.

He continued “I am confident as a young man, as a husband, and a father of a two-year-old, to raise my son under the leadership of David Arthur Granger and his government so young people we are going to support and we are going to show up and show out for the Coalition Government

The rally was the second to be held by the coalition government and will come to an end at the end of February.

January 9, 2020
Pres. Granger appeals to Reg. 5 residents to win region at RDC level

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, January 9, 2020

His Excellency David Granger has appealed to Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) residents to use the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections to win the region at the level of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

The president was speaking at the APNU+AFC Coalition rally held at the Hopetown Community Centre on Wednesday evening, where he was well received by the residents when he arrived with his wife, First Lady, H.E Sandra Granger and Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan.

H.E David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

President David Granger greeting the residents of Region 5.

H.E David Granger and his wife, First Lady, H.E Sandra Granger arriving in the village of Hopetown.

Region 5 is twice the size of Mauritius, one of the most prosperous countries in the Indian Ocean, and according to the president, with the right leadership, the agriculture region can go places.

“We have a political problem in this region, and the political problem is the PPP/C and we have to solve this problem at March 2,” the president told the thousands of residents at the rally.

He added that “you have 4,000 people here, if all of you go out and vote we win this region… we can’t lose this region again.”

While calling out the opposition-controlled RDC for stymieing the development of the region, the president assured that once re-elected, the Coalition Government will continue to invest in the region and make it an agriculture powerhouse.

“Region 5 is the food basket of the nation; we developed the MMA (Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary) scheme, and we made the region one of the most productive agricultural zones in the entire nation. Region 5 is on the move, and you are going forward and growing faster than any other region under the APNU+AFC Coalition… you have the best drainage system in the country, that is why we have to get back in the government and finish the work we started.”

Further, the Head of State noted: “We are going to grow this region like never before, you have the land space, 200,000 hectares, you have the productive capability to generate energy. You have real education at Bygeval Secondary School, and we are going to make that an A-Grade school, so you don’t have to go to Georgetown to attend a top school.”

Currently, Region 5 is producing 40% of the rice in the country and 20 % of the sugar.

On the issue of sugar, the president noted that the administration has been reforming the sugar industry and that it was the former administration that killed the sugar industry. He promised that sugar will be kept alive in the Mahaica-Berbice Region.

“We never put a finger on Blairmont…it’s not we but that Skeldon Factory; when the other people come ask them who built the Skeldon Factory and waste all the money. We kept the West Berbice sugar Industry intact, and we will keep sugar going in this region. That’s a promise!”

President Granger urged the people to beware of those who may seek to mislead them.

“Let us listen to them, and let us use reason to triumph over ignorance. Let us use good to triumph over evil and let us use progress to triumph over backwardness… We are together, we have put an end to winner takes all politics, never again must one party feel it can speak for the whole nation.”

January 9, 2020
Hopetown rally attracts thousands

– as Coalition elections campaign heats up

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 8, 2020

The Mahaica-Berbice Region did not disappoint Wednesday evening when, for the second time around, the APNU+AFC Coalition took a resounding message of success to an oversized crowd, as it continued its elections campaign.

The community centre ground of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice (WCB) could hardly contain the multitude, nothing short of the D’Urban Park crowd last Friday, as thousands showed up in support of the Coalition.

Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan.

Region 5 youth, Vinceroy Jordan.

The massive crowd at Hopetown village on Wednesday.

President David Granger and Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan both delivered the clear message that the opposition must not return to government. This, they insisted, can only be done if Region 5 residents do what is right on March 2, 2020.

Minister Ramjattan, who is also the Coalition’s prime ministerial candidate, said the electorate must choose a government that will make critical decisions which will benefit all Guyanese.

“It is your duty to ensure that you elect the right persons so that Guyanese can experience the good life we have been providing,” Minister Ramjattan said in his address.

He said teaming up with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections was, by far, the best political decision the Alliance For Change (AFC) has made, apart from establishing the party itself.

“I want to tell you that this Coalition is here to stay a long, long time. I want to make the case that when March 2nd comes around, you will be there to reaffirm your support for this Coalition-government led by David Arthur Granger,” he told the massive crowd.

Minister Ramjattan also told residents that the predominantly agriculture region is the most progressive belt the country has; therefore, the re-elected government will ensure that more agricultural lands are opened for farmers.

“For the next five years, we have to ensure that we make these things happen. We have to have sustained economic growth so that we can get wealthier and wealthier still. We have to create jobs, and all of this can only be done with this government.”

He outlined some of the successes the region has had under this administration. These include a $36Million early childhood centre in Ithaca village, West Bank Berbice, the introduction of world-class healthcare with the hiring of medical technologists in the region, the installation of a $414Million-dollar sluice at D’Edward Village and a brand-new science laboratory at the Mahaicony Secondary school, among other developments.

Representing the youths of Region 5, a vibrant Vinceroy Jordan had the crowd roaring when he declared that young people are 100 per cent behind President Granger, as he represents good governance and leadership.

“We here in Region 5 not only have confidence in our government, but we have full confidence. When they said no confidence, we saying full confidence.” He continued listing the transformation the region has seen under the government over the last few years, particularly in the area of education.

In this regard, he urged the youths not to be narrow-sighted and “forget the days we could not walk the streets.”

“Let us not forget the days when our sons and daughters went missing… we are not going back to such a day. We are remaining with the Coalition government for safer streets, job creation and better production within this nation of ours.”

In attendance were Prime Minister and First Vice President, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock and Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Noel Holder.

January 9, 2020
President declares Prime Ministerial candidate

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 8, 2020

His Excellency, David Granger this evening confirmed that Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan will be the Prime Ministerial candidate of the APNU+AFC Coalition party at the upcoming General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

“We have signed on the dotted line, Khemraj Ramjattan is my Prime Minister,” the President confirmed at the Coalition’s rally at the Hopetown Community Ground, Mahaica-Berbice (Region 5).

President Granger arrived at the venue with his wife First Lady, H.E Sandra Granger and Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan.

The Hopetown community ground was packed to capacity as Berbicians waved their yellow and green flags in support of the Coalition. The president assured the residents of his plans to push development in the vast agriculture region.

He explained that unlike the other party, the APNU+AFC Coalition has a solid plan in place for Guyana’s development, known as the ‘Decade of Development’. This plan, he noted, will see the region grow like never before. This, the president said, includes the development of the sugar and rice industries, along with improvements in the education and health sectors.

January 8, 2020
Pres. Granger must pursue his vision for Guyana – AG Williams

― Hopetown residents urged to make their vote count at next General and Regional Elections

DPI, Guyana, Friday, April 26, 2019

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., said Guyanese should support President David Granger and his team in pursuing and achieving their vision for Guyana. In no uncertain terms, he said this will only be done if all citizens make themselves ready for the next elections whenever they are called.

The Attorney General was addressing residents of Hopetown, West Coast of Berbice on Thursday. He, along with Minister within the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes were part of a ministerial delegation that fanned out across the region, following the ‘government comes to you’ event at the Forth Wellington Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., interacting with residents.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC., speaking to residents.

According to Minister Williams, President Granger has already begun delivering the good life for all Guyanese.

“There is no question about it that life is going to be better. The oil will come on stream. Our lives are going to be transformed,” he told the residents, much to their satisfaction.

He, therefore, urged the residents to make their vote count at the next General and Regional Elections.

“The next elections we don’t expect you to turn out and give us a one-seat majority. There is no way I am going to accept a one seat difference.”

He said the opposition is “losing its mind” over its ability to control Guyana’s new found wealth, especially after it has been in the driving seat for the last 23 years. He reminded that the previous administration had marginalised certain communities.

He said the opposition’s calculated plan to bring down the administration failed miserably. He said they used the announcement of President Granger’s illness to “strike”, but that plan backfired.

“They were saying that there would have to have elections in three months. We must not allow treachery to prosper. They were foiled because we devised a legal plan which enabled the president to be where he is now that is complete all the treatment. And he is over the difficulty that he had, and he is still the Presidential candidate, and he will lead us to victory.”

The Attorney General said the government is rooting for success at the level of the Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) level notwithstanding that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must determine its readiness for elections.

“Irrespective of what decision the CCJ makes, there has to be some registration done and elections will have to be held sometime later this year or early next year, that is, if it is overturned.”

If it is upheld, he said, “then it will be business as usual”.

Alexis Rodney.

Images: Tejpaul Bridgemohan.

April 26, 2019
Another round of consultations held with co-op societies

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, October 20, 2016

Another round of consultations to revitalize cooperatives was held this week, this time in Region Five. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, yesterday met with representatives from various co-operative societies in Region Five.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

Scott explained that he is on a mission to make the cooperative system the most powerful in the country since co-operative societies lead most of the development in the developed countries. “In the sixty’s we were able to own our own homes we were all able to create our own jobs, jobs that even today we are in a position to say it has produced for our children and for their benefits, we have to be proud of that,” Scott reminded the participants.

The minister noted that there were many co-operative societies that inspired others towards unity but politics affected others negatively. “The co-op movement has unfortunately, fallen victim to the manipulations and the crookedness of many of the members themselves. What we found was that there were a few educated people within the movement and those persons are guilty manipulating the others,” he said.

Members of Region Five Co-operatives at the meeting

Regional Executive Officer of Region Five, Ovid Morrison, said new energies are needed for the co-operative movement to move forward in Region Five. Morrison explained that appreciation for the cooperative movement has faded drastically.

“In this region we have deterioration in terms of the feelings for the cooperative movement and in terms of the respect we give to the cooperative movement…but we must move steadfast into recuperating it for the benefit of the country,” Morrison said.

Morrison reminded members that the only way they can receive the benefits is by developing the discipline to understand the roles they need to play in the movement.

Cooperative members from Number 40, Hopetown, Seafield, Shieldstown and Rosignol raised their concerns with the minister and his team.

Similar consultations will be held in other regions across Guyana. Minister Scott has said that his ministry plans to visit all the co-operative societies to assist them in restructuring their systems and those that are able to manage themselves properly will be assisted further

By Ranetta La Fleur

October 20, 2016
LITTLE ‘FIGHTER’ NEEDS OUR HELP

Georgetown, Guyana – (September 30, 2016) ALTHOUGH five-year old Alijah LaRose faces enormous life-threatening medical challenges daily and the emotional trauma of learning that a wanted man killed his police father, the West Coast Berbician remains “a fighter”.

“Since as a baby he would have difficulties doing things and it is only recently when we had the latest MRI that we were told it’s a problem with his brain,” his mother Adecia Johnson explained.

Little Alijah LaRose, with his grandparents, Hannah and Burnel Fraser (left), Childcare and Protection Staff and Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Volda Lawrence at his No. 5 Village home.

Alijah does not permit his brain-related ailment to come between his enormous quest for knowledge: ask him to name Guyana’s President or Prime Minister and many of their Cabinet colleagues and he will shout the correct answer.

Alijah cannot stand or walk and even though he has recently managed to colour, he still cannot write. He moves around by creeping, which makes it difficult for him to play with other children.

He was once a pupil of the No. 5 Village Primary School which is just across the road from his home, but due to several difficulties there, his mother was forced to transfer him to Sapodilla School of Excellence, a private school at Hopetown a few villages away.

Little Alijah LaRose happy with his wheelchair gift

Johnson,describes him as a type of Rock of Gibraltar to the family. She admits though that the stabbing death of his father Leonard LaRose in May this year “was particularly hard on him”.

Sergeant LaRose.was killed attempting to arrest a wanted man in the North West District.

Alijah’s maternal grandmother, Hannah Fraser, a professional nurse, said the family first realised something was wrong with Alijah when at three-months-old he could not balance his head. He was able to do so until the eighth month.

“By eight months he couldn’t do many of the things we look for in children. He did them way after. So we knew something was wrong, but we were sure what. Now he does things, but long after most children. He takes a while, but we have seen improvements. On Saturday for the first time was able to stand by himself,” Fraser said.

Little Alijah LaRose recites his alphabet for Minister of Social Protection, Hon. Volda Lawrence and his grandmother Mrs. Hannah Fraser

The child’s condition is a financial drain on the family, especially since his mom is now a single parent following her spouse’s murder on the job. She also has sole responsibility for taking care of the rest of the household.

Deepening her financial troubles, Alijah must have constant changes of clothing for home and school because of his condition and this too is a steep mountain for his mother to climb. Then there are the monthly expenses for critical medical supplies Alijah needs.

The Ministry of Social Protection gave Alijah a wheelchair to make life a little easier for him. According to his grandparents, they are happy for the gesture, as it would allow his family to take him around easier.

Alijah was a premature baby so from birth he needed extra care as a baby.

If you want to help you can contact the family on telephone number 675-3322.

September 30, 2016
Prime Minister, Ministers participate in Hopetown soiree

Prime Minister, Ministers participate in Hopetown soiree

Georgetown, GINA, August 01, 2016

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe were among the guests who participated in last evening’s soiree, at Hopetown village, West Coast Berbice.

The Ministerial team met and greeted residents and other guests including Guyanese who came home especially for the activity.

The event which has become popular over time is an annual activity put on by the residents with the participation of neighbouring villages.

The residents turned out in their numbers wearing traditional African garments.

The Prime Minister and team were treated to African drumming and music, and a range of foods.

Soirees are held in various parts of the country, but the Hopetown engagement is the one which usually attracts hundreds of Guyanese, guests and other visitors.

The soiree started a very long time ago and was celebrated by the ex-slaves on an annual basis in recognition of their freedom from slavery. It is still being held in many villages bought by the Africans after they gained freedom.

The event is held the night before Freedom Day. It starts just before midnight and continues until dawn the next day.

Hopetown was one of the first villages bought by the Africans just after the abolition of slavery in 1838.

August 1, 2016
Government distributes hampers valued $9M to West Berbice flood victims

Georgetown, Guyana – (July 14, 2016) The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and Minister of Citizenship, today, distributed hampers valued $9M to 851 West Coast Berbice, Mahaica-Berbice Region households, which had been affected by flooding early last month.

A team comprised of CDC Chairman Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup, Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, other senior members of the CDC and members of the regional administration embarked on an extensive distribution exercise, serving 10 communities across the region.

“We have 28 items in the hamper and I trust that it will be of some value to you,” Mr. Ramsarup said to the large group of persons, who had assembled at the Community Development Centre, Union (Number 30) Village, where a total of 377 hampers were distributed.

Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix presents a parcel to one recipient at the Community Development Centre at Union Village, even as CDC Chairman Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup (blue shirt) makes a final check of the list of beneficiaries.

Mr. Ramsarup said officers from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) did house-to-house checks to identify those persons affected by the flood and a list of names was compiled and submitted to the Regional Democratic Council, which liaised with the CDC to mobilise assistance for the communities.

Meanwhile, Minister Felix said President David Granger and the Government has remained concerned about the suffering and loss residents experienced due to the floods and has endeavoured to provide relief and support. Moraikobai, Mahaicony River residents were among the first group to benefit from hampers, he said, noting that this exercise is just another demonstration of government’s efforts to support the people in difficult times.

Mr. Rajkumar Suhkra and CDC Chairman Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup share a light joke as he collects his hamper at the Union/Naarstigheid Neighbourhood Democratic Council at Bush Lot.

“Every misfortune that affects the people of our country affects our President. He is [concerned about] your feelings and your needs and he is struck [by] the discomfort that you’ve been through, during the flood,” Minister Felix said.

Region Five Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal also expressed appreciation for the donation. He noted that the government has “come on board in bringing relief … to communities in Region Five”.

Beneficiaries from Armadale (6), Hopetown (18), Bush Lot (200) and Mahaica Creek (50) assembled at the Union/Naarstigheid Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to collect their hampers. At the same time, Major Kester Craig of the CDC distributed hampers to beneficiaries from the Mahaicony River and its environs (200). The parcels included staples such as rice, sugar, flour and milk along with a selection of canned meats, biscuits, personal care items and cleaning agents.

Flood-affected rice farmers explain their plight to Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix at the Community Development Centre at Union Village

Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Ovid Morrison, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Govind Singh, Regional Councillor, Ms. Carol Smith-Joseph, Overseer Ms. Myrtle Christian and Assistant Overseer, Ms. Renai McAlmont also attended the distribution exercise.

July 14, 2016
Main Street, Hopetown rehabilitated through Regional and self-help effort -Social Cohesion Minister re-commissions thoroughfare

Georgetown, Guyana – (June 12, 2016) Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, this afternoon, re-commissioned the newly rehabilitated Main Street in Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) at a small dedication ceremony hosted at the location.

“I am quite happy to be here among the residents of Hopetown today to celebrate the rehabilitative and beautification works that have been completed by members of your community, Minister Ally told the gathering, which included Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, Ms. Jennifer Wade and Mr. Harry Gill, both Members of Parliament, other special invitees and residents.

She commended the community on their collective effort, noting that she is inspired and proud that citizens took ownership for enhancing their environment. The Minister also expressed hope that these efforts will be emulated as initiatives such as these can foster social cohesion in communities as it positive promotes interaction among community members.

“I am quite certain that persons who were involved in rehabilitative work can tell stories about how this activity has brought them together and further established and strengthened relationships… When people have the chance to get to know each other, they focus on what they have in common, rather than differences,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Carol Smith-Joseph, Regional Councillor of Mahaica-Berbice (Region 5) made a roll call of persons who contributed to the success of the exercise. These include the Region Five Democratic Council, Deputy Regional Officer and others. She singled out Hopetown resident Mr. Asquith Hamilton, who built the road; Sarge Rice Mill, who paid for the seats; Mr. James Nicholson, who paid all the labour costs; the Mahaica-Mahaicony-Abary Rice Development Scheme also came in for special mention. Ms. Smith-Joseph herself purchased all the lights for the street.

She also extended gratitude to the Minister and other dignitaries for participating in the commissioning, noting that their presence signifies that, “Hopetown, a village with a rich and enduring legacy of achievement in academia, sport and culture is undoubtedly deserving of this aesthetically beautiful and modern thoroughfare we call Main Street”.

June 13, 2016