‘Understand your rights’ – AG Williams urge residents of Wakenaam
− following repeated complaints of little or no representation by their NDC
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 17, 2019
Residents of Wakenaam have repeatedly complained that their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is failing to address the needs of the community. This was met with an urgent call by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Basil Williams SC., who noted that the time is now for the residents to become more familiar with their rights.
On Sunday, Minister Williams met with residents of the island at the Arthurville Primary School.
During their discussion, residents from Arthurville, Palmyra, Maria Johanna, Domburg and Noitgedacht openly complained that there is no open line of communication with councillors at the NDC.
A senior citizen, Motie Persaid said the Verna Luke Health Center on the eastern side of the island is without electricity, but noted that calls to the NDC have gone unanswered. “There is no light in and out of the building, there was never light.” Persaud stated.
There is also no guard hut to accommodate security officers on duty at the health centre, in spite of the numerous complaints made to the NDC, nothing has been done.
Another resident, Johnny Thomas said at eastern Hogg Island, there is need for proper drainage. However, the farmer related that calls to the NDC has fallen on deaf ears as well. “They have a koker there, installed under the previous administration, but it is not functioning up to now,” Thomas stated.
The complaints continued throughout the meeting with residents also calling for more initiatives for young people on the island.
In response, Minister Williams relayed that the Coalition Government has a plan to transform the country.
“We had a roadblock, but we are asking the Guyanese people to give this government a chance to continue the transformation it has started.”
He also explained that the NDC is responsible for providing efficient services for the residents, as stated in the laws. They are tasked with ensuring proper sanitation, garbage disposal, road and dam maintenance, market facilities, burial grounds, abattoirs and drainage, among others.
“You have a lot of power in your hands… You have to get your local government up and running… Residents need to get involved,” AG Williams urged.
Before the meeting wrapped up, Minister Williams took the opportunity to remind residents to take full advantage of government’s various skilled programmes available to them, as well as educational opportunities for their children.