Residents of Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara were told on Sunday that they must be able to “put pressure on elected officials… to represent your interest.”
Minister of State Joseph Harmon made the comment as he was responding to complaints made by residents of Den Amstel and surrounding areas during a Cabinet outreach.
During the outreach, held at the Den Amstel Primary School, residents complained of deteriorating roads, poor water supply, breaches in the sea defence, clogged up drains, lack of recreational spaces and an unco-operative Neighbour-hood Democratic Council (NDC).
“You, the residents, do not have to wait until a minister comes to raise your these issues. It is time for you the residents to activate NDCs and [the] RDC [Regional Democratic Council].
This is why you vote for them and if they can’t function, you can petition [the] NDC and petition your RDC they have to listen to you… put pressure on elected officials… to represent your interest,” he said.
Harmon underscored that many of the matters highlighted fall under the purview of the elected council and the Ministry of Public infrastructure. However, he said, Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall will intervene to have some of the issues addressed.
One resident Iola Isaacs complained of the deteriorating road where she lives. The woman claimed the road was destroyed by a construction company conducting remedial works on the sea defence. She said when she raised it with regional officials, no one could have offered an assurance as to when the road would be fixed. Minister Harmon explained that the road is on the list of roads to be fixed under this year’s budget.
Another resident, who raised concerns about the road in Fellowship, was told by the minister that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure would soon be inviting bids for tenders for reconstruction of the roads in that community. The residents noted that some of the main access roads are used by farmers who are engaged in the cultivation of rice and other crops and as a result the roads deteriorate rapidly. It was suggested by the residents that an all-weather road be constructed or alternative routes be designated for farmers to use. The residents pointed out that not only would they benefit from such infrastructure but generations to come.
One resident opined that while the government is encouraging agriculture, infrastructure needs to be put in place. “We as farmers need to see proper roads. Unless there is proper roads farmers would not want to invest because we would just be wasting money.” he said.
Another resident Retemeyer (only name given) enquired about work on the seawalls since “I have noticed cracks along the seawalls.” He stressed that it is not his wish to wake up one morning and discover they are flooded.
In responding to his question, Harmon stated that some $3 billion is budgeted to be spent on sea defence in the region from Wakenaam to Ruimzigt and areas that are not covered in the present budget would be a part of the 2018 budget.
He reminded residents of the mangrove restoration project that the government is currently involved in to rebuild the sea defence along the coast.
In addition, government has been able to secure a rice market in Mexico, was receiving “positive vibes from Cuba” and hopefully would be able to secure another market, Harmon explained.
Youth centre
Residents praised the government for the reconstruction of the Den Amstel Youth Centre. However, residents expressed disappointment that the materials for construction of the building were not sourced from within the community. Harmon said that should not have been the scenario and explained that when a project is taken to a community it is to encourage economic activities. The DREO promised to address the issue with the contractor.
Apart from the construction of the youth centre, Region Three Member of Parliament John Adams told the gathering they would soon benefit from the construction of a model agricultural school in the area.
During the meeting it was highlighted by APNU+AFC Councillor Noel Wick of the Stewartville/ Cornelia Ida NDC that they have not been able to accomplish anything during the first year as a council. He pointed out that councillors’ political affiliation has been hindering development from taking place. He stated that on many occasions he has asked the council to put their political differences aside and work in the interest of the people but that was not done.
Meanwhile, Harmon during his opening address had told the gathering his government was working to create a “nation not a plantation,” and urged them to be a part of the social cohesion movement. He said social cohesion is an important factor to move the nation forward and while it would take time residents must be willing to work with everyone.
Turning his attention to the sugar industry, he informed that “sugar would remain one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners and employers.” He said that what the government is involved in is reorganizing the industry since billions of dollars from the Consolidated Fund were being pumped into the industry, though no returns were visible.
Harmon said hard decisions had to be made in order for the government to move forward but assured the residents that “the government that you elected on the 11th of May, 2015 will always consider the interest of the people first and I want to make that very clear.” He underscored that the “lives of the people of this country are our primary consideration in making decisions.”
Ferreira-Dougall, on the other hand told residents that all the issues would not be addressed with a snap of the finger and that they should be patient.
She said, “A lot of the errors and the problems in Den Amstel Village, this government has inherited so what we’ll do is try to fix it. We are here to be fixers but please don’t think it can be fixed overnight or in a week.”
