Dear Editor,
I hope that you will be kind to me as a pensioner, and I thank you for giving the opportunity to ventilate the following issues:
A) The crime situation in Guyana.
Of recent I observed that petty and serious crimes have taken the toll on Guyanese. In the city of Georgetown there are gangs operating in the municipal markets viz Stabroek and Bourda. The police seems unable to bring this situation under control; perhaps the police needs more powers to effectively manage crime and bring the situation under control. Visitors and overseas relatives are not going to visit because they do not feel safe.
B) Infrastructure- roads, canals and cemeteries etc.
All of the above-mentioned and others seems to be falling apart, most of which was due to the heavy rainfalls. I would strongly suggest that the government bring back some oil money deposited with the Federal Reserve in America. We need to have good durable infrastructure; as for the La Repentir Cemetery, some of the deceased that are buried there have given their lives to better Guyana. Driving through the cemetery’s road is like driving through a forest, what a shame.
C) Georgetown seawall enhancement.
The First Lady started a very good project to enhance the Georgetown seawalls for which she must be complimented but the present situation leaves much to be desired. The Georgetown seawalls is now taken over by vendors who have no regard for citizens who go there to relax. Loud, loud music is the order of the evenings, trampolines have taken over the whole front going up the stairs. About three months ago I wrote and suggested that the vendors and trampolines move westward where there is a lot of space to vend, etc. Senior citizens like myself need the uses of the three side benches to sit and relax. Most of us have given the best part of our lives serving this country. The whole of the Georgetown sea wall needs to be regularised with zoning etc, vendors having taken over the seawall left right and center.
D) Old Age Pension.
It was in April of this year when Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, made an announcement saying that he is not in favour of giving a second stimulus now but would like to do something for the senior citizens (old age pensioners) and those who are vulnerable because of the Covid pandemic. The present monthly old age pension of $25,000 can only purchase 12 ¾ loaves of bread per month, nothing remain for a little piece of cheese to partly meet your calcium needs, nor butter to meet a little dietary fibre nor coffee nor tea. Do hope the vice president do something now, pensioners are suffering.
Sincerely,
Senior Citizen
