[www.inewsguyana.com] – The National Task Force Commission took its consultations to Region Two, where stakeholders were engaged on the Project Restore Guyana initiative that is intended to “re-brand” Guyana.
The session was spearheaded by Chairman of the Task Force, Major General (Ret’d), Joseph Singh. Present also were Secretariat Coordinator, Dr. Sewnauth Punalall; newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region #2, Rupert Hopkinson; Regional Chairman, Davenand Ramdatt and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredrick.
There were also representatives from the Anna Regina Town Council, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), youth and women.
Project Restoration Guyana was conceptualized by Cabinet and will be used as an instrument for re-branding Guyana as a place where Guyanese can be inspired to embrace change that sees persons from all sections of society working towards a wholesome environment and country.
The project targets:
- Drainage and traffic management
- Sustainable urban, rural, and hinterland physical structure renewal.
- Re-branding Guyana through the restoration of ethical attitudes, and responsible social behaviour by all citizens.
- Solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal.
- Welfare management of the homeless.
During his power point presentation, Major General Singh outlined the goals and vision of the project, where he noted that the mandate of the Task Force is to rehabilitate, restore and renew Guyana.
He commended the region for being on the top of the list in terms of sanitation. Singh however noted that there were deficiencies in some areas, and urged the Regional Administration to adopt the vision of the Task Force to further enhance the region.
The first phase of the project is to be completed by May 26, 2015, when Guyana will be celebrating 50 years as an independent nation. By September 2015, a report or summery of efforts is to be completed and a draft restoration plan including detailed plan and budget for phase one of the activities should be completed in October and by November, the final restoration plan should be ready and this will be taken to Cabinet for approval.
From November to May 2016, the project will be implemented and carefully monitored. The Chairman of the National Task Force also used the opportunity to outline the Task Force’s mandate to the communities.
“You cannot have up to Anna Regina clean and when you go down to Charity, much is left to be desired. The schools, hospital and other public offices must have a certain image. Your yard must have a certain image, and the national monument must be enhanced and maintained,” Major General Singh told the participants.
He further highlighted the issue of suicide in the region as “very alarming”, and called on the NGOs and churches to play a major role in this regard.
The stakeholders raised concerns regarding the poor communication service, the constant blackouts, drainage, poor road infrastructure and the need for more support from Government to boost tourism in the region. [Extracted and modified from GINA]
Joe Singh should remind the youngsters there what the GDF did to their parents and grandparents when sent in by PNC Burnham.
She had a great time while in Guyana.
He sure is the best choice as the task ahead is an enormous one the country and cities were neglected by the ppp. I recently spoke with a fellow Guyanese who visited last year with an American friend who described our country as PRIMITIVE. The Guyanese said she was embarrassed by the statement made by her American friend she however has a great time while in the country and plans to return.
What a wonderful change! Joe , you were the best choice to head this effort. Best wishes for success on this noble goal.