Dear Editor,
President Jagdeo visited Buxton on Monday for the second time during his 12 years as President of Guyana. This time his visit was primarily to engage in the turning-of-the-sod ceremony for the rebuilding of Tipperary Hall. At this ceremony the President is reported to have told the gathering that his involvement in the rebuilding of the Hall was not an act of benevolence, but rather it was part of his duty to meet the needs of the people as the elected President of Guyana.
Why did it take the President more than a decade to make this comment? Had election not been mere months away would we have seen the President performing his duty and acting as the elected representative of the people of Buxton? Why didn’t the President honour the duties of his office during the infamous crime spree when Buxton and the lower East Coast Demerara were in the headlines daily? During that time the President and the government declared the village a criminal one, and no attempt was made to respond to the needs of the community.
As the elected President of Guyana his duties also extend to Ann’s Grove, De Kinderen, Beterverwagting (BV), Victoria, Golden Grove, Fyrish, Pouderoyen, Manchester, Fort Wellington, No 8 Village West Coast Berbice, Perth, Mahaicony, Plaisance, Sophia, Angoy’s Avenue and the many other areas left neglected since he assumed office. These areas may not have a hall to rebuild, but we all know the deplorable conditions that exist in all of them. We are conscious of the fact that these areas are starved of economic activity and many basic amenities, and they too must also return to their former glory. The government’s allocation of resources in these communities will not be an act of benevolence, but the duties and responsibilities of the President’s office. Guyana is watching and the world is taking note.
Congratulations to the people of Buxton for reminding the President that their village is still a part of Guyana, and that he, as the elected President, must meet their needs. The determination now is to ensure that the village is not used by President Jagdeo and the PPP/C for political mileage.
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
