New members for Annandale/Good Hope Water Users Association

Several new members were elected to the Annandale/Good Hope Water Users Association and have already promised to represent the best interest of the rice farmers living within the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
The election, which was conducted last week, was observed by Regional Chairman of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Devanand Ramdatt, and the Coordinator of the Water Users Association Shiwshankar (only name given), a member attached to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The new association comprised of seven elected members who will serve in the best interest of residents and rice farmers. Parmanand Singh from Perseverance was elected Chairman, while Daneshwar Gangoo will function as Deputy Chairman and Haimant Persaud as Secretary.
Persaud, who is a teacher at the Abram Zuil Secondary School and a leader in his village, said he will work with the newly-elected members to foster change. Singh stated that he was elated to have been elected for the position and promised to execute with full faith, honesty and patience. The newly-elected Chairman was on the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP’s) list for the local government elections.
Following the elections, Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt extended his appreciation to the outgoing Chairman, Kenneth Persaud.
He said Persaud and past members offered dedicated service over the last four years.
He encouraged the newly-elected members to be accountable and transparent in their management and operations.
Ramdatt stressed that the rice industry is struggling and members must be approachable and patient in engaging farmers.
The Regional Chairman assured the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC’s) support and encouraged networking between the Council and the Association. He called on the Association maximise the use of resources to help the rice industry, as the Region’s economy is heavily dependent on the industry.