Improving telecommunication across the hinterland remains on the front burner of Government

Jun 20, 2018 News

Residents of Monkey Mountain worry about health services and communication

During a recent meeting with residents of Monkey Mountain, a Region Eight (North Pakaraimas) community, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, assured them that the Ministry of Public Telecommunication is working to ensure that indigenous communities have internet access.

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe (centre)
and other Government officials.

The Minister said that bridging the communication gap between hinterland and the coastland remains a priority for this Government.
“Improved communication will curb the misinformation reaching the indigenous people and every effort is being made by the Coalition Government led by President David Granger, towards bridging this gap.”
Minister Garrido-Lowe mentioned the radio stations that were established recently in Mabaruma, Lethem, Aishalton, Mahdia and Orealla, and the training of local youth as radio announcers.
There were complaints about the timely payment for completed road rehabilitation works. There were also complaints about the award of contracts and improving health services. With regards to the 10% retention, the Minister promised to contact the REO to ascertain the delay.
The Minister explained to the people of Monkey Mountain that the government is one that listens to the issues of the people and their concerns will be addressed at the earliest.
The Minister also took the opportunity to inform residents on the status of Guyana’s oil find. “I told you about 20/20 and the oil money that Guyana will be receiving. This is where we need your voices and your suggestions and proposals.
“Every village speaks about the state of the roads at every meeting and the urgent need for them to be fixed; if we have that in writing, I am sure that it will be considered.
Addressing the Land Titling situation, Minister Garrido-Lowe said, “There are various issues that were around for a very long time and remain unsolved. Some date back to almost 20 years ago as in the case of the Upper Mazaruni,” that case is still engaging the courts.

A section of the residents of Monkey Mountain.

She also cited cases pending since 2007 but was “happy to report that neighbouring Paramakatoi has been demarcated and by the end of this year, four additional villages will receive titles”.
As it relates to improved Health Services, Minister Garrido-Lowe assured villagers that the Ministry is working to ensure that sooner rather than later “doctors will be assigned to the Health Centres across the North Pakaraimas” as is the case of neighbouring Region Seven communities.
The Minister also congratulated newly elected Toshao Lincoln Singh and councillors for their commitment to the continuous development of their village.
Monkey Mountain is poised to receive significant development with the soon to be established Lapidary Project, which will see several youth trained to operate the facility.
Households will also benefit financially upon supplying the facility with semi-precious stones, which will be processed into semi-precious jewellery and craft pieces to meet international standards.
Residents of Monkey Mountain worry about timely payment for road rehabilitation, improved health services and communication.
The Minister explained to the people of Monkey Mountain that the government is one that listens to the issues of the people and their concerns will be addressed at the earliest.