APNU+AFC presidential candidate David Granger says the Rupununi is “a zone of neglect” where the absence of reliable transportation and proper communication adversely affects the standard of living of its residents.
In a press release the APNU+AFC Coalition said that after a visit to a series of villages in the region, Guyana’s largest, it has decided to craft a rescue plan for the Rupununi area which will include reforms in the area of land, education and infrastructure.
Recognising that land is central to the life of indigenous communities Granger pledged that should the coalition win meetings will be held with indigenous communities with a view to settling once and for all the land disputes
Referring to the $5,000 bus fare from Aishalton to Lethem, Granger said it was sad that a pensioner who is paid $13,000 a month is expected to pay $5,000 for transportation in order to collect that pension. In this vein the coalition, according to the press statement, will invest in infrastructure to ensure that roads are made more accessible in any weather and that the essential Annai-Achawib and Lethem-Linden highways are completed.
Sharing anecdotes told to his team including one of a pregnant woman who had to be taken to Brazil on an ATV because of a lack of available medical staff in her area, Granger lamented the challenges faced by the citizens of the region especially those of the older generations, many of whom are unable to communicate effectively in English.
The release said Granger further promised to invest in education reform so that the currently high dropout rates will be reduced. As part of this reform plan the coalition will ensure that schools are fully staffed and properly equipped and that a Rupununi Technical Institute and Rupununi Agricultural Institute are established.
According to the release, he said these initiatives are the first steps to developing diversified industries in the area.
