Dear Editor,
Significant strides have been made by the Regional Administration of Region 2 to enhance the quality of services they have been providing to the public. This is evident as several rehabilitation works are ongoing in relation to the public road, agricultural dams, and potholed streets. Sluices and kokers, schools, hospitals and other dilapidated government buildings are also being repaired. I am impressed with the gradual transformation of the township which is cleaner than before, and has now been decorated with trees which have been strategically placed along the roadways. Even at the Anna Regina Car Park the statue of Damon resides in a beautifully designed square where benches have been placed for visitors.
Additionally, the Anna Regina High Bridge was repainted, making it a tourist attraction and even a destination where newly-wed couples can take pictures.
Significantly the Regional State House has been completely transformed into an institution which can now conveniently host conferences as well as being much more accommodating for visiting government ministers and other officials of state. It has been redesigned, repainted and refurbished with the environs being kept neatly with blooming flowers and lush green grass.
The regional administrative offices were also repainted, which now enhances the surroundings so the staff can effectively function. I have also witnessed the ongoing establishment of parks along the coast, particularly the one at Exmouth which will be commissioned shortly. While there has been much criticism about the administration placing emphasis on such projects, I am convinced that they will have longstanding benefits for those communities since they will serve to foster greater social cohesion. In fact, without them where will the children go to enjoy an afternoon of fun without having to place financial stress on their parents? There are very few places of relaxation in the Region and those that do exist, are liquor restaurants, gambling spots and erratic spaces for idling youths and adults. These continue to threaten the social fabric of many communities and have led to an increase in crime, drug and alcohol use and illiteracy. I am convinced therefore that the idea on the part of the administration to provide dignified channels of pleasure is timely, and will benefit the population immensely.
I have also observed a significant increase in the number of huge structures, particularly those built by the private sector. This is an indication that there is confidence in doing business in Essequibo, especially now that there are reliable sources of electricity and internet services. In fact, the CEO of GTT Mr Justin Nedd was in Essequibo recently and has assured residents of the company’s capacity to deliver quality bandwidth and speed. Previously these had impeded the expansion of the Region’s technological horizon.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
