Issues of concern, which need urgent action

Aug 18, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

The following areas of life are in need of urgent attention from the Government. In brief, here they are. The crime situation in Guyana, of recent I observe that petty and other serious crimes have taken a toll on Guyanese. In the City of Georgetown, there are gangs operating in the municipal markets, namely, Stabroek and Bourda. The police force seems to be unable to totally have the situation under control; perhaps, the police force needs more powers to effectively have the situation under control. Visitors and overseas relatives are not going to visit because they would not feel safe.
Also, infrastructure – roads, canals cemeteries, etc. – all of the just mentioned and others, seems to be falling apart, most of which was due to the heavy rainfall we had and are still having. I would strongly suggest that the Government of the day bring back some oil money deposited with the Central Bank of America, we need to have good durable infrastructure. As for the Le Repentir Cemetery, some of the deceased that were buried there have given their lives to better Guyana. Driving through Cemetery Road is like driving through a forest. What a shame!
The next thing is the Georgetown Seawall enhancement. The First Lady started a very good project to enhance the Georgetown Seawall for which she must be complimented. But the present situation there has left much to be desired. The GT Seawall is now taken over by vendors who have no regard for citizens who go there to relax. Loud, loud music is the order of the evenings, trampolines having taken over the whole front going up the stairs. About three months ago, I wrote and suggested that the vendors and trampolines move westwardly where there is a lot of space to vend, etc. Senior citizens like me need to use the three side benches to sit and relax, since most of us have given the best part of our lives to serve this country. The whole GT Seawall needs to be regularised with zoning, etc, since vendors have taken over the Seawall, left, right, and center.
Then, there is old age pension. It was in April of this year when Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, made an announcement saying that he is not in favour of giving a second stimulus now, but would like to do something for the senior citizens (old age pensioners) and those who are vulnerable because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present monthly old age pension of $25,000 can only purchase 12 ¾ loaves of bread per month, nothing remains for a little piece of cheese to partly meet calcium needs, or for butter to meet a little dietary fibre, or for coffee or tea. I do hope the Vice President do something now, old pensioners are suffering.

Best regards,
Senior citizen

Editor’s Note: While it is not much, President Ali this week announced a cash payout of $25,000, which will benefit all old age pensioners.

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