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Bartica IMC details noteworthy achievements
– convinced efforts being made to undermine gains
It wasn’t long after the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC) had taken office in 2012 that a fire, believed to
Bartica IMC PRO, Sherwyn Downer
be the work of arsonists, gutted its headquarters at Lot 18 First Avenue.
A report from the Guyana Fire and Ambulance Service outlined that the building of concrete and timber, roofed with corrugated metal sheets, was supposedly gutted by “malicious setting of fire by person or persons unknown.”
The building has since been rebuilt, but destroyed in the fire were filing cabinets, a large quantity of documents and other office appliances that were crucial to the efficient operation of the IMC headed by Chairman, Ovid Benjamin.
It is believed that the fire was deliberately set to hamper the gains that were being made by the Government-instituted IMC.
The IMC was put in place to replace a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) that was reportedly fraught with mismanagement and fraudulent activities. This move was made at a time when reports were surfacing that both those within the business community and residents were complaining bitterly because they were convinced that they were being overtaxed, as they were not receiving the matching services.
But instead of collapsing following the fire, the IMC was able to “rise above the ashes” under the leadership of its Chairman who continues to be ably supported by Vice Chairman, Stephen Belle, and Councillors.
At least this is according to the IMC’s Public Relations and Press Officer, Sherwyn Downer, who during an interview with this publication recently, related that despite the many criticisms levelled against the IMC, it has been able to thrive and realise many successes.
This, he attributed to the fact that the IMC, although young in its operation, has adopted “an open-door policy”.
“Our committed and dedicated team is easily accessible to residents.”
In fact, Downer informed that residents are even offered full access to scrutinise the books and records of the IMC on the last Wednesday of each month. He pointed out that there has been no preferential treatment gained by the IMC, as it has been “toeing the line like any proper NDC is expected to do.”
According to Downer the IMC is in fact “a solution-oriented management committee.”
A section of Bartica still plagued by litterbugs
“We have been having successes amidst challenges, when compared to the former management of the NDC, and so we believe that we have a good story of success to tell,” said a proud Downer as he detailed what he called achievements and accomplishments of the IMC.
He disclosed that since taking office in 2012, the IMC has been able to implement the 48 Stalls Arcade at Mongrippa Hill, complete with a parking lot for shoppers; facilitated the construction of two public washrooms, a multi-purpose complex and roads at Byderabo and Telecoms Hill.
Because of the efforts of the IMC to help improve the Bartica community, Downer said that the multi-purpose complex currently entails a medical outpost, public library, indoor games facility for residents of Byderabo and the adjacent communities.
Turning his attention to the constructed public washrooms, the Press Officer informed that such facilities were in fact never in place before in Bartica. He continued to share an extensive list of contributions the IMC has made over a two-year period that suggest that it has been making a positive impact in Bartica.
But there yet remain some setbacks, Downer said. These, he noted, include loss of records due to the fire, and even getting residents to comply with rules and regulations that are intended to contribute to a clean and garbage-free community.
According to Downer, although there have been some gains in helping to change the wanton garbage disposal by residents; the IMC is still very much challenged by irresponsible dumping. There have been allegations, he added, that indiscriminate disposal of garbage around the Region Seven community has been deliberately done to undermine the efforts of the IMC.
The IMC is also currently faced with a number of inherited debts from the former NDC to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated, and three lawsuits amounting to several millions.
“These monies could have gone towards so many other community works, but instead we have to keep repaying debts for things we know nothing of,” said Downer. He however, insisted that the IMC is keen on continuing its path of success that will help improve an already developing area.
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