“Your issues will be addressed” – Min. Felix
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, June 30, 2019
Salary stability for security guards, construction of a guard hut, improved facilities at the Wakenaam Health Centre and the refurbishment of roads island-wide were among some of the issues that will be shortly addressed on the island.
These matters were raised at a community meeting held at the Arthurville Primary School by Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix. Prior to the meeting, the minister engaged residents on pertinent matters during a walkabout through several villages on Wakenaam.
“This minister didn’t come to make promises; this minister came to see what could be done. Your issues will not go unnoticed,” he said.
Minister Felix further reminded that since the current administration took office in May 2015, almost every flood-prone area has been sealed which has essentially eradicated flooding on the island and that the island can now boast of street lights and other infrastructural upgrades.
Additionally, the minister urged the residents to hold their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) accountable to ensure that works are being carried out in their communities.
Addressing the purpose of the visit to Wakenaam, he explained that it is a necessary step in ensuring all of Guyana’s citizens receive the good life.
“We have taken a position that we must bring a better life to our citizens and to do so we must take government services to the people,” the minister added.
This meeting is part of an initiative being held today. The exercise will see government ministers fanning out to the Essequibo islands of Wakenaam, Leguan, Aliki and St. Cuthbert’s on the Mahaica River, to meet and listen to residents with the aim of finding resolutions to their issues.
Located 20 minutes from Parika via speedboat, Wakenaam is one of the 365 islands in the Essequibo River.
Images: Karime Peters