Decentralisation and regional empowerment (Part 1)

Jun 05, 2016 APNU Column, Features / Columnists

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By Hon. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Communities
(Addressing the residents of the Potaro–Siparuni Region on Wednesday May 25, 2016)
Fifty years ago the Union Jack was lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time. On

that historic day our country was born. On that day Guyanese were given the opportunity to work together as one people, building one nation, charting our own destiny. On that day of political independence, we were handed the responsibility to shape our own future and make our country what we want it to be.
My fellow Guyanese, forty-six years ago we became a Republic. This cemented the arrangement in which political power is held by the people, through their elected representatives.
Thirty-six years ago, our country was demarcated into 10 administrative regions, and with it the system of regional administration was introduced. Apart from independence itself, this may have been one of the most significant developments in our country’s history.
On the occasion of introducing the bill in the National Assembly to create the regions, then Vice president, the late Desmond Hoyte said, “The purpose of the current bill is to revolutionise the local government system.” He went on to say, “The New Constitution identifies the LG system as the foundation of the democratic organization of the state, to enable the massive involvement of the people in the task of managing their communities and developing the areas in which they live.”
Our country has come a long way from the days of colonialism. However, we still have a lot of work to do. For too long our peoples have been divided. For too long we have argued one with the other, about things that don’t matter, instead of extending the hand of friendship and fellowship to our fellow Guyanese.
For our country to develop, this has to change.
In the general and regional elections of November 2011, Guyanese across the length and breadth of our country came out in their numbers and rejected the idea of winner-takes-all politics. Instead, Guyanese from all walks of life, embraced the idea of inclusive governance. They did this by giving one political party the right to form a government, but not a majority in the National Assembly. Regrettably, that opportunity was not grasped.
On the 11th of May, 2015, the electorate chose a six-party coalition –APNU+AFC – over a one-party candidate, to lead our country for the period 2015-2020.
That event marked a new beginning – the possibility of a fresh start – the opportunity of creating inclusive governance as stipulated in Article 13 of the Constitution and a better life to which all Guyanese can look forward.
The road ahead will not be easy; it will require dedication and hard work, but with our combined efforts we will achieve our aim of providing a good life for Guyanese, in whichever part of the country we live ; whether on the coast or in the hinterland. We will face many challenges, but we will do so side by side. Your region is blessed with abundant natural resources, yet, too many of you still struggle to make ends meet. This should not be the case. Your region’s resources should benefit you. Recently, in a message to the National Assembly, President Granger said, “The disparities in development in households between the hinterland and the coastland must be reduced if we are to become a more equal nation.”
Your government knows the issues which the people of his region face on a daily basis. You need better water supply, you need reliable continuous and, most importantly, affordable electricity, proper healthcare, you need a commercial bank, you need all-weather roads, all-weather airstrips; we know of those needs, and we are working to meet those needs.
We know that you need mining lands. The Minister of Natural Resources has recently announced that one hundred and twenty blocks are soon to be made available to small miners in this region.
President Granger is committed to developing a green economy, one fuelled by renewable energy. Here in sub-region 2 of the Potaro-Siparuni region, in the very near future we will ensure that the Tumatumari Hydroelectricity Plant is rehabilitated to provide the supply of electricity, mentioned. The administration is committed to having this facility rehabilitated.
In the area of agriculture, the region’s initiatives are geared to provide food security. The programme, recently started, will supply inputs to the school-feeding programme and will provide many more sustainable jobs in the region.
The RDC has developed a framework to stimulate economic ventures, this includes absolute ownership of the crops grown, processed, packaged and marketed.
The region is also embarking on introducing shade house agriculture at Kopinang, Kato and Mahdia to grow crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, to name a few.
Currently, there are three acres of rice growing at Monkey Mountain and four acres at Kopinang prepared for mixed farming and cultivation, including ground provisions, beans, etc.
The RDC took the initiative to arrive at an innovative programme which could only be based on community participation with all financial and legal ramifications addressed.
As relates to capital purchases, the RDC will be purchasing $13 million in agricultural equipment for irrigation, land preparation, and a smaller percentage for chemicals to control acoushi ants and other pests and diseases in the farms.

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