Leguan’s fragile sea defences topped the list of concerns by residents during a meeting over the weekend with a team of government officials.
According to a release from the Regional Administration Office of Region Three, the team of officials, which included Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, Hinterland Affairs Coordinator Harripersaud Nokta, Vice Chairman Manpersaud and Regional Coordinator–Agriculture Brijesh Singh, held several community meetings across the island last weekend. It stated that the team acknowledged that immediate attention was needed to address the island’s sea defences in order to alleviate fears of rising high tides.
Manpersaud, according to the release, noted that the most critical areas usually affected by high tides are Blenheim, La Bagatelle, Endeavour, Enterprise, Maryville and Louisiana. It was noted that the issue is being addressed by the Works Ministry.
While agriculture was described by residents as being the backbone of the economy, many emphasised that rice was not the only crop which contributes to the economy. The residents expressed disgust that only the rice farmers were given concessions whenever crops are lost to natural calamities such as floods, while cattle, poultry and other farmers are left to fend for themselves.
The officials assured farmers that the agriculture ministry would intensify visits to the island and the region in general and it was pointed out that agricultural plots would be established in all secondary schools across the region. Farmers were also urged to pay more attention to the production of pineapples, pepper, pumpkin and plantain, all of which, it was noted, have readily available markets.
Several other issues were raised during the team’s visit, including the availability of drugs for diabetes and hypertension, mobility of the police, the irregular schedule of the ferry service to the island, street lighting and the filling of vacancies on the island’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
Faerber stated that appropriate action would be taken to address the issues raised and he reminded residents that services such as street lighting require money which was not readily available because of poor rate collection by the NDC. He also noted that the depleted council membership is engaging the attention of the subject minister.
Nokta, according to the release, stated that development is an ongoing process which requires finance, materials and manpower. He stated that the opposition PNCR had “written off” the island while it was in office, while the ruling PPP/C had sustained the continuing development. “Everything takes time…time is of essence… we are determined to work to solve the problems that confront all Guyanese… we have done development works in all communities and we have treated everybody equally,” Nokta stated.
It being an election year, Nokta stated that the PPP/C government is prepared and capable to face the challenges which lie ahead. He assured residents that the process of development will continue to impact positively on the lives of all Guyanese.
Leguan residents have continually aired concerns about a number of areas of development which need to be addressed. Last year, during a visit to the island, persons there told this newspaper that spring tides flooded a number of areas across the island. They have been calling on the authorities to address the issue, among others, rather than constructing an airstrip there. Plans for the airstrip are yet to materialise.
