Toshao of Akawini in the Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two, Rudolph Wilson, is requesting a new boat and engine to transport children to school in September.
According to Wilson, the community has a boat but is in need of another. He explained that the community has approximately 30 children who have to travel to acquire an education and most of their parents cannot afford to pay for private transportation.
The toshao is therefore requesting a new boat and engine for his community.
“The village needs the same, the children deserve it in the village and we would be happy if the region can give us or any private individual,” Wilson said.
At the recent statutory meeting of the Regional Democratic Council, Chairper-son of the Hinterland Affairs Committee, Melrose Henry, reported that the community needed a boat and engine. She told the council that the toshao had made the request at a recent meeting.
Henry pointed out that the children often have to use the village boat or private boat to go to school which is a costly expense. Another Regional Democratic Councillor Dr Ranjeev Singh suggested that the village use the health boat to transport the children, but other councillors disagreed, noting that a health emergency could occur in the community whilst the boat is in use which would be unfortunate.
Region Two Chairperson, Vilma Da Silva listened to the request and called on Regional Executive Officer Susannah Saywack to take note of the upcoming 2023 budget. However, Wilson said he prefers if the community can get the boat and engine in time for the new school term.
This newspaper spoke with a parent whose children attend Akawini Primary. She said that she has six children and she is paying almost $1500 per day. This sum, she said, is very difficult for her to find every month.
“If there is a school boat then the children can catch it and then parents will be happy, I will send my children to school. I want them to get an education and be someone, it’s costing me a lot but I also desire for the boat for our community” the mother stressed.
