Dear Editor,
I write to highlight, I hope, an oversight by a number of institutions. BK International was awarded a contract to fix portions of the Lethem to Linden Trail – the downgrade from road to trail is intentional.
I have noticed that it does not appear as though local persons were offered employment by this firm. I know a few men who applied for work, but were turned down. When I was Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Region 10, the RDC had a policy of contractors employing a certain percentage of the workforce from the communities they were required to work in. Additionally, if the communities had persons with particular skills, the contractor was made to employ those skills. That was one way of ensuring the distribution of wealth. I would recommend that this become policy across the country.
In the meanwhile, works are at a standstill for some strange reason. The trail is in a horrible state, while most of the road-building machinery is parked in the compound of the Pirara Ranch. Commuters are finding it increasingly difficult on their way to and from Georgetown. They have to walk for a mile through the slush since no driver wants to jeopardize their passengers’ safety, which I find quite commendable.
Another observation is that the PPP/C has sent a brand new 4×4 vehicle PNN 6078, to aid in its campaign. Quite understandable, but, the police have had no vehicles for quite some time now.
Region 9 has a history of drug trafficking. A vehicle would have ensured that the police stayed on top of things.
This is surely a case of misplaced priorities.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Parker