Minister of Natural Re-sources, Raphael Trotman on Saturday committed to purchasing a new speed boat engine for the community of Red Hill in the Mabaruma sub-region, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
The engine, with an already available boat which was procured through a Presidential Grant, will be used by the community to transport pensioners to uplift their monthly old-age pension. The matter arose during a community meeting with residents following a Ministerial fan out in the region over the weekend, DPI said.
With its caretaker status as a result of the December 21, 2018 motion of no confidence, the Granger administration has been accused of increasing its electioneering exercises across all parts of the country.
DPI said that pensioner Lionel Peters was first to relay his concern to Trotman and Member of the National Assembly, Richard Allen. Peters said that the cost of transport to collect his pension is almost the same amount as he collects.
“I am a pensioner, myself and my wife, it is very hard for us to go out from here to Mabaruma to draw our pension, we have to pay ten thousand dollars for the passenger boat to go out and that leaves us with only one thousand five hundred dollars,” Peters said.
Another pensioner, Gonsalves cited the same monthly struggle while other residents raised the need for improved healthcare and more health personnel in the region. Poor electricity in the community and water pollution as a result of mining activities were also cited.
PTA Chairman, James said children needed uniforms and a proper playground, as well as teachers to replace those heading off to the Cyril Potter College of Education soon.
In response, DPI said that Trotman stated that his ministry, as well as other government agencies, will work towards improving the Red Hill community.
“I am going to commit to replacing that 40-horsepower engine for you”, he added.
He said that the boat and engine must be used for the benefit of the entire community.
