Dear Editor,
The recent comments by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo regarding the construction and infrastructural boom in the country simultaneously highlight the broader systemic issues that are affecting our citizens. The Vice President’s admission that the rollout of construction projects appears “ad hoc” and “disorganized” is a rare but candid acknowledgment of the lack of proper planning and coordination in the execution of these much needed developmental projects.
I do acknowledge that government’s efforts to award contracts to locals from communities like Linden to improve infrastructure are indeed commendable, however, implementation has been fraught with inadequate supervision and inefficiencies, poor management, and execution is causing undue hardship for our residents. I’m sure this is the reality in other communities nationwide.
Due to poor planning, several main thoroughfares like the East Bank, Linden, particularly in Amelia’s Ward, for example, simultaneous construction of multiple interconnected roads have created significant disruptions. Residents are left without alternative routes, severely impacting their ability to commute to work, their places of business, or to return home. This reflects a failure to prioritize the needs of the people. The government must ensure that road construction is phased in a way that minimizes disruption and provides alternative routes for residents.
Further, in Linden, the government’s alleged proposal to rely on a single supplier as the only supplier of concrete, who is unable to meet the demands of multiple contractors, is another glaring example of poor resource management.
This bottleneck has further delayed the completion of several road projects, exacerbating the inconvenience faced by residents. The government must engage multiple suppliers to expedite project completion while fostering a more competitive and equitable environment for local businesses.
Additionally, the admission of the Vice President is tantamount to agreeing with the opposition about the ad hoc nature of construction projects. This can also be extended to the very poor and disorganized disbursement of the $100,000 cash grant to citizens. The process has been and continues to be marred by long waiting times, a lack of proper organization, and confusion over the eligibility of some persons on and off the lists. Seniors and vulnerable citizens, in particular, have been subjected to unnecessary hardship, waiting in lines for hours under harsh weather conditions only to be told that their names are not on the list or that they must go to another location. This is unacceptable.
A more efficient and transparent system must be implemented, leveraging the experience of persons knowledgeable crowd management, technology to streamline the process and ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants in a timely, orderly, and dignified manner. Equally important is that individuals in the regions charged with engaging recipients be courteous, respectful, and polite. We have seen some political actors claiming to want to help in the chaos they helped to create, being disrespectful in a loud, crude, and animated way.
While most will likely accept the Vice President’s acknowledgment as a step in the right direction, it is not enough. The government must take concrete and deliberate steps to address these systemic failures. It is our collective responsibility, and duty as responsible citizens, to hold the government accountable for these shortcomings and to advocate for the interests of the people. Jadgeo’s comments, reflective of the reality on the ground, must be met with swift action not just words.
The opposition will continue to push for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government operations. We will also propose alternative solutions to address these issues, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their needs are met.
Sincerely,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira, MP
