Cheddi Jagan Park, buses, ICT Hub & Bakery equipment boost for Lima Sands

– Major upgrades delivered on President Ali’s promise to community

Residents of Lima Sands, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), were on Friday the proud beneficiaries of four transformative community development projects, all of which were promised by His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a recent outreach to the area. The projects commissioned include the opening of the Cheddi Jagan Play Park, the establishment of a Community Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub, the upgrading of the Lima Sands Bakery with new equipment, and the handover of two brand new school buses to serve students in the area.

These initiatives, led by the President and supported by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two, are aimed at improving access to education, easing transportation burdens, expanding digital literacy and providing economic opportunities for residents.
Delivering the feature address, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ricky Ramraj, reminded residents that these projects were promised by President Ali during his last visit to the community and said the event demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
“About two to three months ago, when the President visited this area with Senior Minister Dr Ashni Singh and myself, several requests were made: transportation for students, the upgrade of the play park, the bakery, and the ICT Hub. And there and then, on the spot, the President agreed to do all,” Ramraj said.
He added that the ICT hub in the community is expected to significantly boost digital literacy and access to free online education offered by the Government of Guyana. He noted that that both children and adults will benefit from ICT training in the village.

“This is about empowerment. With this hub, children and adults alike can learn, research and grow… it opens up a new world for the people here in Lima Sands,” he stated.
Ramraj further noted that under the President’s leadership, the Region continues to benefit from massive investments in education, youth development, and health care. He told residents to expect more interventions such as transportation grants for students, the construction of a science laboratory and one nutritious meal per day for children in public schools. “This is only the beginning,” Ramraj stated, adding that the administration had only had three years to execute its agenda, owing to the pandemic during the first two years.

Transformative projects
Mayor of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan said he was pleased to witness the transformation taking place in the community and described the handing over of the projects as a testament to the Government’s people-centred approach.
“I want to implore you to take maximum care of this beautiful play park. Transformation can only happen under this Government… Our ‘Because We Care’ cash grant has drastically increased – all because of visionary policies. Your future is secure under this Government,” Mohan declared.
He also pointed to the commissioning of the school buses and said parents in Lima Sands would no longer have to bear the cost of daily transportation.
“That money can now be used to buy textbooks or something else that benefits them,” he added. Additionally, The Lima Sands Women’s Development Multi-Purpose Co-op Society also received a significant boost with the installation of a commercial oven, mixer and a refrigerator to upgrade its community bakery.
Chairperson of the Lima Sands Women’s Development Multi-Purpose Coop Society, Urania Success, said she was surprised at how quickly the bakery received the equipment after she raised the concern with the President during his last visit.
“We can now do pastries, cakes, bread… and take catering orders for weddings, birthdays and other events,” she noted.
She emphasised that the upgraded Lima Sands Bakery will not only serve the community’s needs but also generate income and create job opportunities for residents.
Pulwantie Drikpaul, a local primary school teacher, said the addition of the two school buses will make a world of difference for students travelling from remote areas like Dredge Creek.
“Children from far-off areas often miss school because of transportation issues. These buses will help ensure they arrive safely and on time. It removes a major obstacle to their education,” Drikpaul explained.
She also noted that the computer lab will provide students with essential skills for the classroom and beyond.
“They’ll now enter classrooms already knowing how to use a computer. That gives them a real head start,” she added.
Meanwhile, residents present at the event expressed appreciation to the Government, noting that the new park provides a safe space for children to play, the ICT Hub offers opportunities for learning, and the buses will ensure children get to school safely and on time. They also welcomed the upgraded bakery, which will provide income-earning opportunities and services right within the village.