Latest update December 4th, 2024 2:40 AM
A response to the Wash Bay controversy in Region Three
Dear Editor,
I refer to an article published in the Kaieteur News dated October 02, 2018 with the caption, “Wash bay on Government reserves creates havoc,”.
As the Regional Information Officer – Essequibo Islands West Demerara I would like to inform you of the following:
Following a complaint that was made by one resident in the Pakistan Steet, La Jalousie Village, Region Three to the Office of the Regional Executive Officer, an investigation was launched. The following are the findings:
It was found out that on the 18th and 19th April, 2018 two no objection letters were sent to GPL and GWI respectively for the provision of their services to the wash bay.
The letters were signed by the NDC Chairman.
Secondly, residents in an around the area confirmed that during a one-year period when the wash bay was not in operation, the said complainant use to operate a taxi service and mechanic shop at the spot but since the owner of the wash bay returned and re-opened his wash bay the complainant had to vacate.
Thirdly, the wash bay, as confirmed by residents in the area, has been in existence for over eight years and has never affected anyone.
The immediate and closest neighbour dismissed the allegations of un-becoming activities occurring at the wash bay site.
Fourthly, because of the prior approval given by the NDC, the wash bay owner went into investment expenses and refurbished the wash bay and purchased equipment to operate the wash bay.
Fifthly, the complainant enjoys a cordial relationship with a Regional Councillor of the RDC Region Three who also claims to work with the Office of the Prime Minister and who threatened to break the wash bay down.
After the investigation, a decision was taken at the Regional Administration’s level to address the issue of squatting holistically rather than to target this one individual.
It must be noted that in the La Jalousie Nover Flanders NDC and all other NDCs there are businesses operation on reserve lands or state lands.
A mandir was even constructed on state land at the Groenveldt Village at Leonora in the Stewartville Corneilia Ida NDC.
The holistic approach requires the attention of the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Communities, Public Security, RDC, NDCs and the occupants themselves.
We at the Regional Administration are of the firm view that a solution to the issue must be beneficial to all parties involved since the illegal action began years ago and occupants have been earning honest living by way of their businesses on state lands.
It will be unconscionable on our part to selectively target one person even though we are against all forms of squatting and illegal occupancy of state lands.
Noting the findings and position mentioned above and given that the findings and position mentioned above were provided to Regional Councillor, Harry Deokinanan, to which he had never expressed reservations, I find it extremely dishonest and distasteful on his part to accuse both the Ministry of Communities and Regional Administration of not paying attention to the matter.
This is not the first time this individual has been trying to stymie the good work of REO Jaikaran and by extension the entire Regional Administration.
We as a region will continue to provide government services to our people and better the lives of all.
We will act within the ambit of the law and in keeping with government’s policies and position. In closing permit me to mention that the above information was provided to the reporter of Kaieteur News who carried the story and to date nothing is printed which leaves much to be desired on the part of the reporter and by extension Kaieteur News and their relationship with the person who reported the matter.
Ganesh Mahipaul,
Regional Information Officer.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Deeply concerned about political dysfunction in society
Dear Editor The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is deeply concerned about the political dysfunction in society that is... more
Haiti: Tragically Descending into Deeper Crisis
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- As gang violence spirals out of control in Haiti, the limitations of international... more
Weekend Cartoon
