President calls for strong leadership in communities

…says allowances for toshaos, regional councillors being reviewed

President Dr Irfaan Ali has promised a special announcement to address the issue of allowances for toshaos and regional councillors, in light of complaints within the past years.

The Head of State visited the community of Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Friday, where he committed to having these concerns resolved. It was pointed out that the leadership of villages must be secured.
“Toshaos and Deputy Toshaos in the Council have consistently raised the issue of the allowance that they have received, so too are the regional councillors across the country for the different regions. I assure you that in the coming weeks or months, I will make a special announcement to address this issue so that we can have leadership that feels as if they’re taken care of,” Ali relayed.
Currently, regional councillors are given a stipend of $10,000 on a monthly basis. Meanwhile, toshaos receive a stipend of $30,000 monthly. Ali underscored that for transformation to take place, there must be equitable opportunities and avenues for growth.
“Each of us has a responsibility to leave a better Guyana to the next generation that comes. If we take seriously, that responsibility, then I assure you that we will succeed in this…You are entitled to equitable development, equal opportunities just like any other person.”
The President shared with residents, that his Government is strategically planning on including the hinterland region in all areas of development.
“For us, strong leadership in communities and strong leadership on the ground are important. We’re working on an aggressive plan to fix the hinterland infrastructure, whether it is water, roads. These communities will not be left out. We’re working on this plan to improve the welfare and well-being of hinterland communities…Whether your community has 420 people or your community has 100,000 people, you’re entitled to the development, and you’re entitled to be part of the prosperity of this country.”
To ease the rising cost of living, the Government announced a one-off $25,000 cash grant to households in the hinterland and riverine communities last month.
The Region Seven residents were updated on the Government’s progressive agenda, including its aim to improve the health and education sectors countrywide. Residents will soon receive a new tractor with agricultural implements that will serve the communities of Arau and Kaikan. These interventions, he reiterated, are to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
The President lauded the support of the army in the border community, whose members have worked on several projects over the last year.  He announced that they will now work together to build a guest house, with materials from the Government.
Several other projects were identified, including the construction of shade houses and a poultry project, both with an aim of enhancing food production.
In Philippi and Kamarang, President Ali said that the Ministry of Agriculture will work along with the communities on an agricultural plan to enhance their production.
“The only way we can build an equitable society is if we have a society in which the prosperity of the country can be shared with every single family across our country…. As a people, we have to have humility and we have to support each other.” (G12)