Dear Editor,
I was recently watching the President’s visit to Foulis and found it interesting how the President was addressing the concerns raised by the residents. One resident had mentioned to the President that he was planting greens on the Dam after he had cleared it of bush. The President responded by asking the resident what “was the problem” and then didn’t address it any further. This was very surprising, especially given that the Dam is government property. Although the resident was being very helpful and entrepreneurial by taking the initiative to make the most of the land nearby, it should have been pointed out that what he was doing was controversial and that he needed permission to use the government’s land in this way.
Having seen and having moved numerous families who had taken over the government’s land, I would have expected the government to try to avoid this from reoccurring. The Minister for Public Works was present and knows how difficult and emotional it can become if such activities are allowed to continue for a long time. The President should have also ensured that it was clear that such activities were prohibited and his team at Foulis should have directed the resident to an official who could help him find agricultural land nearby to continue to pursue his entrepreneurial endeavour. It would be appropriate for the government to pay the resident for keeping the Dam clean, while also providing the NDC with the resources to do such work going forward.
We must all set the example, including the President, and send a clear message as to what is and isn’t acceptable under the law, while still providing the resources needed by our citizens to be successful in their endeavours.
Sincerely,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of
Guyana
