Transportation relief for Red Hill pensioners
─ Min. Trotman commits a new boat engine
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, October 20, 2019
Pensioners of Red Hill in the Mabaruma sub-region are breathing a sigh of relief after Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, on Saturday, committed to purchasing a new speed boat engine for the community.
The engine, with an already available boat which was previously obtained through a Presidential Grant, will be used by the community, specifically, to transport pensioners to uplift their monthly old-age pension. The matter arose during a community meeting with residents following a Ministerial fanout in the region over the weekend.
Pensioner Lionel Peters was first to relay his concern to Minister Trotman and Member of the National Assembly, Richard Allen. Peters informed that the cost of transport to collect his pension is almost the same amount as his annuity.
“I am a pensioner, myself and my wife, it is very hard for us to go out from here to Mabaruma to draw our pension, we have to pay ten thousand dollars for the passenger boat to go out and that leaves us with only one thousand five hundred dollars,” Peters explained.
Another pensioner, Gonsalves reiterated the same monthly struggle, while other residents raised the need for improved healthcare and more health personnel in the region, electricity in the community and water pollution, as a result of mining activities.
PTA Chairman, James said children needed uniforms and a proper playground, as well as teachers to replace those heading off to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) soon.
In response, Minister Trotman stated that his ministry, as well as other government agencies, will work towards improving the Red Hill community; school, healthcare, among others.
He also made a special announcement – one which will benefit the pensioners.
“I am going to commit to replacing that 40-horsepower engine for you.”
He added that the boat and engine must be used for the benefit of the entire community.
Residents also took the time to wish His Excellency, President David Granger ‘a clean bill of health’ as he is in Cuba for a medical checkup.
“We have to pray for him, he in Cuba, I heard it on the news yesterday that he going out today [Saturday], let us keep praying for him, so he would come back stronger,” noted Peters.