Concerns about children in the Lower Pomeroon River not attending school were highlighted on Tuesday when the Region Two Regional Democratic Council (RDC) held its monthly statutory meeting.
PPP/C Councillor Arlene Boyan, who raised the issue, said something needs to be done about it. “Some children in certain areas are not attending school,” she said. “Some never attend. There is a set in Lower Friendship and when the President visited the river, a report was made to him concerning some of these children.”
Following that Boyan said, some of the children started out to school. “…But some are still not going and I am concerned about those children because some … cannot spell their names.”
The councillor added that when asked why they are not going to school, the children’s excuse is that they have to go to the farm.
“I am saying that something should be done with those parents who are not sending their children to school,” an impassioned Boyan pleaded.
Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud expressed concern and promised to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, Persaud warned against rice farmers taking matters into their own hands with regard to the use of the various sluices to allow water into their rice fields.
“Actions will be taken against rice farmers who take in water for their rice lands without asking permission or communicating with the RDC,” he said. “We will have to call the police and get them locked up if this is continued. They have a responsibility to speak with the officials before letting water into their rice fields,” he added.
The meeting was also informed too that several new workers have been hired at the Suddie Hospital, including a personnel officer, an administrator and a pharmacist. According to the Chairman, the addition of these staffers is expected to enhance health services offered at the hospital.
APNU Councillor Wazeer Latiff said both the hospital and morgue at Suddie are important to Region Two but while emphasis is being placed on the hospital, not much attention is paid to the morgue.
“We agree that the hospital is important but the parlour [morgue] should be looked after and a generator should be placed there to aid in the work that goes on there,” Latiff stated.
Responding to this concern, Persaud said discussions were already held on this issue and action will soon be taken. “We are waiting on a word as to what the people will do and what it will cost to enhance the parlour,” he told the council. “We had discussions and we will know soon what steps should be taken.”
In addition, the meeting also heard that a new generator was expected to be placed at the Parika Stelling to boost the lighting system and according to Persaud, the Public Works Ministry is looking into it.
“This is to give proper access to vehicle owners at the Parika stelling,” he said.
“The generator is to be put in place there and the schedule of the big boat will be changed to suit commuters and discussions are on board to rectify this issue.”
