A release from the Ministry of Home affairs yesterday informed that its minister, Robeson Benn, accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, led an outreach on Tuesday, to the mining community of Imbaimadai, in Region Seven.
This visit provided the opportunity for community members to meet with their government representatives and voice their concerns and comments. Also present were toshaos and representatives from the surrounding Amerindian villages.
The village representatives took the opportunity to discuss several issues of importance which included the following: solar panels – the community’s concerns regarding solar panels and energy solutions were extensively addressed, with a focus on ensuring that residents gain access to a dependable power source. The ministers announced the allocation of over 300 solar panels to the community, with the aim of ensuring that each household would receive solar electricity. Community policing – with the safety and security of the community a high priority, the residents conveyed their desire for the formation of a Community Policing Group.
Benn in turn pledged to actively explore plans to promote the creation of a local policing group to bolster security within the community. Mining – this is considered a primary economic activity within the community and as such, conversations centred on the promotion of responsible and environmentally sustainable mining practices. Bharrat, the subject minister, also emphasised the significance of ensuring that the community reaps the rewards of mining while also protecting the environment. He also outlined some forthcoming initiatives for the mining sector. Potable water – Access to clean and reliable water sources was identified as a top priority. Croal acknowledged the significance of this challenge and committed to taking “immediate steps” to address the water needs of the community.
The release stated that during the outreach, the ministers donated three brush cutters and a number of footballs to the community. They also visited the primary school and the recently constructed Imbaimadai Police Station. The officials also assured the residents that the government will work diligently to find practical and effective solutions to the community’s concerns with the understanding that these issues are “pivotal to the well-being and progress of the residents.”
