Time for Region Nine residents to unite

Sep 05, 2014 Letters

---

Dear Editor,
Residents of Region Nine, the time has come for us to re unite for the sake of the future of beautiful Rupununi, regardless of our political, religious, ethnic or economic status. The Amerindian Heritage Celebration during this month is a wonderful platform for allowing this to be a reality.
We are all aware of the various issues affecting our daily lives in one way or another throughout the Region that we were born in or chose to call our home.
It is no secret that after more than twenty years we all experience the lack of ability of proper planning by the authorities who were mandated to assist the residents of this Region to a better living standard. Yet we seem to be helpless and under a spell of their power.
In 1991, we had a road that we were happy about, a road that we used, but after 20 years this same road is using us. After two decades the support for quality education is sadly lacking; ask the teachers and they will tell you. In these enlightened days we do not have a proper flow of information nor a proper communication system. Over twenty years ago we enjoyed listening to news on GBC, listened to cricket loud and clear. We cannot even listen nor see a national television, we are more aware of what is happening in Russia, the middle east or China through BBC or CNN through private means. It is a design to keep most of the interior people from knowing the truth of what is happening to our country.
We had access to agricultural support be it livestock or crops. We enjoyed security and respect for each other was present. Our neighbors flocked the Lethem hospital for quality health service. There were bigger aircrafts taking out beef and peanuts to the coast. There was a better distribution and management system in place for power supply. Villages had a better cooperative system, their way of life. The Regional authority was respected and many more activities were of a better standard but that was over twenty years ago.
Recently our capital, Lethem, has been thrown into more hardship. Within just a few months payment for a kw/h has risen from 55$ to 75$ and now to 100$ per kw/h when our neighbours pay 28$ per kwh. What was the satisfaction offered by the government? You have to pay!
Brazil was a huge supporter of the Regional economy, now because of the hike in electricity rates the small businesses are forced to look elsewhere. This is all because we allow individuals who do not even live here to bully us into accepting their total disrespect. All they care for is the votes not our needs.
We need to stand together as one to demand what is our basic human and Indigenous right.
We need Moco Moco and Nappi hydro to become a reality, we need wind, bio-gas and solar power. We can develop cottage industries based on the capacity of individual communities. We need to have village accounts audited so we can determine whether we are in the green and not in the red. We need a strong Regional administration to assist in making proper decisions. We need a useful advisory group to the MOAA, so that proper planning for the ADF could be made, not to be wasted on a waste like Peter Persaud.
I am aware of the efforts that the Regional Chairman has been making to design a plan for a facelift of Lethem town, the airport, farming, hydro power, better relationship with Bon Fim but without support from his superiors it is an uphill battle. Even the other Regional Councilors are aware of this situation.
Its real, at the moment mini buses and lorries are struggling through the mud to Lethem. We live it,we feel it, so ask ourselves the question why should we be treated this way when the majority supported this uncaring Government for over 22 years!! Is there a way out? Oh yes! We do have the answer and that is the combination of ÀPNU/ AFC at the helm of this country. This is a group that has representation from all across the country. This will allow the opportunity for all to bring back some decency to society. Remember this country is for all Guyanese and not only for a few greedy ones. We, APNU / AFC have visited communities where we have seen water looking like blood coming through the pipes, plantains going into Maburama, when this area used to once flood the market in GT and even to Trinidad. Incomplete roads in the communities on the coast, housing, lighting and many more issues were brought to our attention. We deal with the reality of life in Guyana. Only a selected few are flourishing by the suffering of the majority
There is a new wind blowing. Climate change!! The time has come, bad for others good for some. There is panic with intimidation on the Nation, for some it‘s frightening, for others it‘s an opportunity to get back to normalcy where they can have a good life. I see daily the old saying being portrayed “where ignorance and arrogance is bliss, tis folly to be wise”
I am aware that many Indigenous Peoples across the nation are questioning why the Amerindian Act, 2006, was unable to defend our brothers and sisters in Upper Mazaruni, Region 01, Region 08, and Region 09? When will it end?
Waste no more time, make a change, with your decision Region 09 can be able to support our other Amerindian communities within the country to settle all Amerindian Land Claims. OUR LAND, OUR LIFE; OUR LIFE, OUR LAND!!
Sydney Allicock

---

---