Dear Editor,
We are all aware of the various issues affecting us in Region 9 in our daily lives. It is no secret that we are experiencing a lack of proper planning by the authorities who were mandated to assist the residents of this region to achieve a better living standard. Yet we seem to be helpless and under the spell of their power.
In 1991, we had a road that we were happy about, a road that we used; after 20 years this same road is using us. After two decades the support for quality education is sadly lacking; ask the teachers and they will tell you. In these enlightened days we do not have a proper flow of information or a proper communication system. Over twenty years ago we enjoyed listening to news on GBC, and heard cricket loud and clear. We cannot even listen to or see national television; we are more aware of what is happening in Russia, the Middle East or China via BBC or CNN through private means. It is a design to keep most of the interior people from knowing the truth of what is happening to our country.
We had access to agricultural support, be it livestock or crops. We enjoyed security and there was respect for each other. Our neighbours flocked the Lethem hospital for a quality health service. There were bigger aircraft taking out beef and peanuts to the coast. There was a better distribution and management system in place for a power supply. Villages had a better cooperative system – their way of life. The regional authority was respected and many more
activities were of a better standard – but that was over twenty years ago.
Recently our capital, Lethem, has been thrown into more hardship. Within just a few months payment for a kw/h has risen from 55$ to 75$ and now to 100$ per kw/h when our neighbours pay 28$ per kwh. What was the satisfaction offered by the government? You have to pay!
Brazil was a huge supporter of the regional economy; now because of the hike in electricity rates the small businesses are forced to look elsewhere. This is all because we allow individuals who do not even live here to bully us into accepting their disrespect. All they care for is the votes not our needs. We need to stand together as one to demand what is our basic human and Indigenous right.
We need Moco Moco and Nappi hydro to become a reality; we need wind, bio-gas and solar power. We can develop cottage industries based on the capacity of individual communities. We need to have village accounts audited so we can determine whether we are in the green and not in the red. We need a strong regional administration to assist in making proper decisions. We need a useful advisory group to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, so that proper planning for the Amerindian Development Fund could be made, not to be wasted.
I am aware of the efforts that the Regional Chairman has been making to design a plan for a facelift for Lethem, for the airport, for farming, for hydropower, and for better relationships with Bon Fim but without support from his superiors it is an uphill battle. Even the other regional councillors are aware of this situation.
At the moment minibuses and lorries are struggling through the mud to Lethem. We live it, we feel it, so we should ask ourselves the question why we should be treated this way when the majority supported this uncaring government for over 22 years. Is there a way out? Oh yes! We do have the answer and that is the combination of ÀPNU/AFC at the helm of this country. This is a group that has representation from all across the country. This will allow the opportunity for all to bring back some decency to society. Remember this country is for all Guyanese and not only for a few greedy ones. We, APNU/AFC have visited communities where we have seen water looking like blood coming through the pipes; plantains going into Mabaruma, when this area used to once flood the market in GT and even in Trinidad. Incomplete roads in the communities on the coast, housing, lighting and many more issues were brought to our attention. We deal with the reality of life in Guyana. Only a selected few are flourishing through the suffering of the majority.
I am aware that many Indigenous peoples across the nation are questioning why the Amerindian Act, 2006, was unable to defend our brothers and sisters in Upper Mazaruni, Region 1, Region 8, and Region 9. When will it end?
We should waste no more time and make a change. With our decision Region 9 will be able to support our other Amerindian communities to settle all Amerindian land claims. Yours faithfully,
Yours faithfully,
Sydney Allicock
