Dear Editor,
The Minister of Agriculture’s recent announcement about the shiny new $3 million drone has caused quite a buzz. Funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agricultural Development (HESAD) project, this drone is the agricultural equivalent of a Swiss Army knife. It maps soil, monitors crops, surveys livestock, and even keeps an eye on land degradation. Impressive, isn’t it?
But as we celebrate this high-tech marvel, one can’t help but wonder: can the Minister of Agriculture kindly lend—or better yet, find—a similar drone for his comrade, the Minister of Public Works? After all, while farmers are getting cutting-edge tools, the Public Works team could really use a little technological assistance to keep their house in order.
Imagine a drone zipping around, inspecting crumbling roads and aging bridges before they collapse rather than after. Picture it scanning drainage systems to pinpoint blockages that lead to city-wide floods. Think of it flying over construction sites, catching contractors slacking off while sipping coconut water under a shady tree. If equipped with the right sensors, this drone could even check the quality of concrete and steel being used—maybe ensuring we finally get a road that doesn’t develop potholes two weeks after completion.
And let’s not forget: drones could also serve as an accountability tool. Instead of waiting for the public to rant on social media about shoddy construction or incomplete projects, a drone could do daily surveillance, sending back live footage for all to see. It might even help with one of Public Works’ greatest challenges—ensuring projects are finished on time and on budget.
So, while we applaud the Minister of Agriculture for this forward-thinking move, it’s time for his comrade in Public Works to step up—or perhaps borrow his playbook. After all, if drones can help our crops thrive, maybe they can help our roads survive.
Sincerely,
Keith Bernard
