Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton on Wednesday met with residents of Charity, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) including teachers, business owners and members of the Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic councils to discuss issues affecting them.
A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said that some of the concerns raised by the residents included truancy, school dropouts, the need for a community centre, easy access to pharmaceuticals, the need for training for small business owners, flooding in the squatting area and the need for repairs to the river dam.
Norton told the residents that the solution to most of the problems lie right in the community. However, he acknowledged that there are some issues, which the residents themselves cannot settle.
The release said that Norton assured the residents that he would bring their issues to the attention of the relevant ministers.
The Social Cohesion Minister urged each of those in attendance to play their role in the development of the country.
“I believe that because we come from different backgrounds, whether it’s geographical, ethnic, religious or cultural, we need everyone on board. We need to know who we are and what our role is in developing Guyana,” he stated.
Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Pomeroon-Supenaam, Rupert Hopkinson encouraged the residents of Charity to bring the issues they are faced with to his attention.
“While the REO must accept responsibility and be accountable, the REO can do very little if he does not know. And so I urge you to let us know when these things are happening,” he said, according to the release.
