Building infrastructure in Enterprise is commendable but enduring jobs needed

Aug 26, 2025 Letters

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Dear Editor,

Kaieteur News – Please allow me an opportunity to respond to Mr. Shivesh Persaud in the Kaieteur News of 8-21-25 titled “Clarifying misconceptions about Enterprise & the PPP/C Government’s efforts”

I will ignore all the fluff in his letter and address a few points.

(1) Mr. Persaud wrote that Enmore was the “logical” place to situate the regional hospital.  Can he explain why Enmore was the logical place when he admits that Enterprise has grown some 6 times its original size.

(2) It was Mr. Persaud himself who reminded us that “it is worth remembering that it is the PPP/C government that has distributed the house lots around Enterprise that has created this growth, so clearly that development is NOT being ignored.” Really Mr. Persaud?

Why then is Enterprise also not a priority? Then he reveals that “Enmore in particular has/is being transformed into a mechanical oil and gas fabrication hub thereby reemploying many of the laid off sugar workers with opportunities in modern industries. If persons within Enterprise have not fully tapped into them it is no fault of the government.” Yes it is!

Enterprise is four villages removed from Enmore specifically Bachelors Adventure, Paradise, Foulis and then Enmore. This would necessitate transportation costs to travel back and forth. Enterprise residents need jobs not only infrastructure upgrades.

This oil and gas hub revelation is most astonishing. Why couldn’t Enterprise have been the ideal place to situate the oil and gas industry hub given that that location has ample land aback of Enterprise? Enmore already has the regional hospital to create jobs! Enterprise also needs jobs, not just infrastructure!

(3) Mr. Persaud again confirms that the stockfeed mill that is to be built “somewhere” on the East Coast Demerara will cost $200 million. Why can’t that mill be built in Enterprise to create jobs specifically for its residents? Enterprise is an agriculture enclave with hundreds of sugar workers thirsting for jobs. Building the stockfeed mill in this area would be most relevant.

(4) Mr. Persaud is an out of touch apparatchik who claims that “In all PPP/C administrations from 1992 to now, there has been a steady roll out of nationwide infrastructural upgrades. Enterprise and (sic) surrounding communities have not been left out and have significantly benefited from those upgrades. Directly focusing on the past five (5) years, there have been several streetlight projects, road resurfacing, complete road rehabilitation, and drainage enhancements that were initiated and completed within Enterprise and (sic) surrounding communities with more still on the agenda.”

Let’s admit that it is accurate that Enterprise has benefitted from infrastructural works over the years.  Did that create steady enduring employment for Enterprise residents? Wasn’t it the contractors who benefited mostly when they only do infrastructure projects?

His Excellency the President could not have been lying when he PROMISED at the Enterprise campaign rally to build roads, build concrete drains and culverts and install street lights in Enterprise after 33 years in power!  They have severely neglected that village I insist.

(5) Mr. Persaud is correct when he constantly repeats that “surrounding” areas of Enterprise have been beneficiary of the PPPC government largesse. To its credit the PPPC government has found it expedient to build a brand new spanking primary school at Buxton which is officially named the Buxton Sideline Primary School. This is in addition to completely rebuilding the historic Tipperary Hall in the village.  If there is any truth that the Enterprise Community Center will be rebuilt as a concrete structure it is most reassuring.

The Enterprise Primary School (which is overcrowded) has been the object of “patching up” over the years. Look how Mr. Persaud himself informs us about “the numerous times the Ministry of Education have refurbished the building, from repairs, repainting, installation of new windows, new tarmac, and constant maintenance of all facilities within the school”.  Mouth open story jump out!

(6) What was reassuring is Mr. Persaud’s revelation that “As it relates to overcrowding, this is not a new issue nor is the Ministry unaware of it. There are already plans to build NEW SCHOOLS in neighbouring (?) communities to help with this”. Mr. Persaud must be speaking on behalf of the PPPC government to give this significant bit of information. May I suggest that the new primary school be built at the same location where the Nonpareil Anglican school was originally housed for historical reasons.

(7) What was NOT satisfying is when Mr. Persaud writes that “The idea suggested that job creation must happen within Enterprise’s borders specifically to be meaningful is BASELESS and clearly ignores regional economic integration.” Mr. Persaud your slip is showing! For your information three of the five Enmore Martyrs were from Enterprise! Did they die in vain?

Let me remind and emphasise to Mr. Persaud what his excellency the President told the residents of   Enterprise “Your life and your family’s life will be improved through new and more innovative ways of expanding the sources of income for every home, every family. We will increase disposable income, increase your ability to save and give you the ability to invest in your country so you can live long productive lives right here.” I welcome this assurance from the President.

I look forward to his excellency President Ali’s next visit to Enterprise and predict that his PPPC will win the September 1st elections. Only a PPPC government can grant fairness and do justice to Enterprise. Jobs baby, jobs!

Yours sincerely,

Sultan Mohamed

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• building, Enterprise, Infrastructure, PPPC, Sultan Mohamed

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