“There must be nothing that divides you”

─ Leguan gathering as residents and ministers meet

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, June 30, 2019

Leguan residents assembled in the Leguan Secondary School hours before a scheduled community meeting with their elected government ministers. For these residents, it is the first time four sitting government ministers are visiting the island, along with a sitting Mayor of Georgetown.

Present at  today’s meeting were Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson and the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.

The team of government officials, on arrival, was met with a resounding reception of Tassa drums and a packed hall of residents eager to meet with their elected officials. They were also treated to a rendition of “Welcome to Leguan” from the residents.

In his feature address, the Mayor of Georgetown spoke on the importance of tackling Racism through Social Cohesion as is the vision of President David Granger.  “There are four aspects of Social Cohesion and a very important one to me is Unity. Let me remind you, establishing a Social Cohesion Department in this nation is what was needed to bring us unity and justice.” He opined that this was a clear message that this government cares for harmony amongst its people.

Following him was Minister Sharma who recounted the efforts of the government for Leguan.

“We completed five major sea defence projects… We constructed 800 meters of sea defence… the value of these works is in excess of US$5.4M [$1.3B],” he related.

Minister Sharma charged the residents to make known their needs.

“For 2020, we will be carrying out the main rehabilitation of the access roads and will be conducting follow up visits to see what else is needed… you can assist us here today by telling us what more you need.”

Minister Ally came to the podium following a special rendition of “Let us cooperate for Guyana” done by a student of Redeemer Primary School.

She reminded the residents that “It is important for you to live in love and unity there must be nothing that divides you even though there have been attempts to divide our people.”

The minister reaffirmed that as far as the Coalition government is concerned, it matters not which political party citizens support but rather that they are provided with the opportunity to partake in a good life.

Meetings similar to this are being conducted on various islands in the Essequibo as a means for the residents of these communities to be able to meet with their government officials to voice their concerns.