Rockstone residents complain about poor roads, lack of jobs

– among other issues during meeting with Trotman

A team of officials from the Natural Resources Ministry, including Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland; and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira met with residents of Rockstone on Saturday.
The visit was to afford residents of the community, located 14 miles from Linden, the opportunity to voice their concerns to Government.
Lynette Benn highlighted that the community lacks one of the most vital connections in today’s society, that being telecommunications. According to her, the village receives a weak Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT) signal. As such, she requested that there be an improved signal strength or better access to some form of telecommunication in the area. This, she contended, will boost economic activity.
Celestine Peters indicated that there should be rules implemented, so persons coming to fish will not harm the Arapaima which is abound in the area. She also added that domestic fishing is one of the main activities being hindered by the increased fishing activity by outside persons, hence “some measure should be put in place” to curb and safeguard fishing.
The Department of Public Information said other issues raised at the meeting include the conditions of the roads, land titling, job creation, upgrade of the Guest House, and acquiring mining lands.
According to Minister Trotman, the “Place has rich tourism potential but is struggling for support.”  He has committed to reporting all concerns to the respective ministries to ensure a speedy resolution of the issues.
Mayor Holland advised the village to collaborate with the municipal body to ensure Rockstone be included in the township of Linden. This will enable Rockstone to access services to help in further developing the area. He urged residents to petition to be a part of the township, and meet with him at a later date.
MP Figueira also encouraged residents to work to be a part of the township, for “more can be achieved if we work in collaboration”. The Member of Parliament commended residents for airing their views honestly. “Government needs the people to candidly express some of the difficulties you are experiencing so that they can assess from a better standpoint how they prioritise these,” he said.
Scented candle wax and bolts of cloth were donated to the community by MP Figueira, for members to use either economically or recreationally. He told the residents that “these materials are a jumpstart to boosting economic activity in the community”.