Two weeks into the New Year, we asked people along the Essequibo Coast what they would like to see improved in their various communities in 2015. Their comments follow:
Leshaun Wright, UG student, Danielstown – ‘The improvements I would like to see in my community for 2015 could be called, `The revival and the protection of the community.’
I would like to see community projects for the youths to keep them meaningfully occupied as well as a clean-up campaign to restore Danielstown to its former glory, along with the rehabilitation of the community centre and most importantly the installation of street lamps throughout the streets for the safety of the residents.’
Ava Thompson, sales representative RCA TV Channel 8, Charity – ‘I am a resident of Charity and even though I commend all the efforts made over the years to make this community better, I believe that there is always room for improvement. In my community, there is an urgent need for street lights. There are many workers who are required to work the shift system and leave their work places late at night when the streets are extremely dark. Street lights in Charity will also aid in safeguarding businesses. There is also a need for proper garbage disposal systems. The garbage issue has been affecting residents of Charity for a prolonged period of time and it poses a health hazard to each resident. The garbage is an eyesore and I think that the NDC is not doing a good job in cleaning up the area. My hope is that in this year, diligent efforts will be made to counteract this issue.’
Charisma Naipaul, student, Reliance – ‘Along the Essequibo Coast, many of the residents face many problems one of the major problem being the availability of jobs for young adults. In this context, for this new year 2015, I would like to see more jobs being made available so our youths can be gainfully employed. Another major point is the poor drainage systems in Reliance. Quite often there tends to be flooding whenever it rains and many of the residents suffer losses because most of them have kitchen gardens and livestock which they depend on for a living. So I want the drainage system to be improved so that we can go about our everyday life not having to worry about flooding.’
Lashawna Thomas, Presi-dent’s College student, Aurora Dry Shore – ‘Aurora is a small but lively community. I’ve been living in Aurora for over 18 years and over these years I’ve noticed that there is much
to be improved in my community. Most importantly, there is the issue of improper drainage. As a resident I’ve observed that any heavy rainfall quickly causes flooding in the community. This is due to the fact that there are no proper drainage systems in the community. So in 2015 I would love to see better drainage systems in place so that flooding can be avoided and residents of
Aurora can live a more safe and healthy life.’
Ravi D Mohan, television host, Richmond – ‘In the village of Richmond there is a need for proper drainage systems. I would like to see the improvements in the drainage system, since we are often plagued by floods. There is also an urgent need for the improvement of the playground so that children can have exclusive access to the ground for exercise and sporting activities.
I would also like to see the relevant authorities work diligently to get the stray animals off the roadways; they are often the main cause of accidents. In the village of Richmond, I personally believe that a community youth group should be formed so as to eradicate limers and loiterers and the youths will be able to better themselves by being involved in meaningful activities.’
Keanu Russell, teacher, Bethany – ‘Well something that I would like to see improved in my community for 2015 is the availability of teachers at the primary school in Bethany. Currently there are three classes that do not have a teacher and the children are suffering academically. I am saying this because I am a teacher at the school and I know what goes on there. I am begging the relevant authorities to please do
something about the lack of teachers. There is a quote that says: `A good education is the greatest gift you can give yourself or anyone else.’’
Indra Natram, private sector employee, Golden Fleece – ‘There is much more that can be done in the rice growing community of Golden Fleece situated south of the Essequibo Coast. Firstly there is a need for more recreational facilities for the youths in the area so that they can be meaningfully occupied. The community ground needs upgrading and the sport club needs more sporting gears. The community is in need of street lights to assist drivers in the night as well as to safeguard businesses. The community also needs to have frequent police patrols during the nights. I must commend the regional administration for the recently upgraded roads leading to farmlands. The clean-up campaign also was a good initiative that helped to keep the community clean and garbage-free. There also needs to be a clampdown on illegal burning of waste so as to minimize air pollution in the area.’
Lashon Thomas, UG student, Queenstown – ‘In the village of Queenstown efforts are being made to maintain and improve the community. However there is still more that can be done. More activities should be planned so as to have the young people gainfully occupied and also be able to interact and learn the history and traditions of the village from the senior citizens, so that traditions wouldn’t be lost. The recreational ground should also be maintained to accommodate young people with a passion for sports and also those who aren’t that driven. Empowering and supportive groups should be formed so as to allow villagers to share their skills and experiences with each other and create a well-knit and unified community.’
Keneeza Trim, cosmetologist, Lima – ‘In the seven years I have being living in Lima, I have noticed that the roads need to be improved because they are all in a terrible state. These roads cause damage to vehicles and expenses are frequently incurred by the owners. In the context of the drainage situation, if it rains continuously, the place is easily flooded. I know that flooding is a natural disaster but I think that it can be avoided if the necessary authorities take preventative measures to solve the issue.’
Tevianne Griffith, cashier GWI, Zorg – ‘There are many improvements that can be made in my community but I would want the relevant authorities to take actions against having stray animals along the roadways which causes major
accidents. These animals should be impounded so as to make the roadway safer. Something should also be done about the excessive amount of dilapidated, abandoned houses in Zorg. These houses can be used as hideouts for criminals and the lives of residents can be endangered. Being a resident of this community, I am often concerned about the lack of street lights in the area. Along the main carriageway is usually dark and it isn’t safe for persons. If street lights are installed I believe that residents will feel more safe and secure.’
