Toll-free support, cheaper electricity for Region One – President Ali

Just one day after the toll-free travel across the Demerara, Berbice, and Mackenzie-Wismar bridges came into effect, President Irfaan Ali also announced the removal of tolls at Four Miles in the Matarkai Sub-Region of Region One (Barima-Waini).

The Head of State was speaking at a public meeting hosted by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday, where he was joined by Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.
According to the President, Minister Croal has been lobbying for months now to have the toll at Four Miles removed – something that would bring enormous relief to the small loggers and miners, especially within the Northwest District (NWD) township of Port Kaituma.
“From the 1st of November, we will subsidise that toll at the value that it is today, and we already have the number so that it will be free of charge. That toll will be removed so your equipment, your tractor, your trucks, your ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), your goods – all of that will come through toll-free, and we want that cost, that reduction, to be to the benefit of the consumer… That is what your Government is about, making real decisions,” he told a massive gathering of supporters.

Similarly, Ali further assured residents of efforts by his administration to bring down the high cost of transportation for the region. He revealed that the Government has recently completed the negotiations to have another ferry added to Region One to increase travel within the next year.
These, coupled with the new landing strip under construction, will be further bolstered by the removal of all duties and taxes on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and on boat engines up to 150 horsepower, as well as lowering the taxes on four-door pickup vehicles – all of which are aimed at enhancing travel in the region.

Cheaper electricity
Moreover, Ali also disclosed plans to inject more subsidies into Region One, allowing its largely Amerindian residents there to benefit from cheaper electricity, as was recently done for parts of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Currently, Port Kaituma is benefitting from 15 kilowatts of free electricity that is subsidised by the Government to the tune of some $110 million.
“With the effect from the 1st of August, just like we have given other communities, we will reduce your electricity rate by 30 per cent, and we will do it by increasing the subsidy on your behalf here in Port Kaituma… That is 30 per cent that you now pay, going right back in your pocket from the 1st of August,” the President declared.
In addition, he promised residents that efforts are being made to enhance the quality of water across the region.
According to the President, he has already directed Minister Collin to come up with a plan to protect the hinterland waterways from pollution, having recognised the importance those waterways play in the daily lives of residents there.
“We have to protect it from pollution, and we will have a special initiative in which we will clean up the river and clean up the waterway so we can restore that water to the quality, and also by putting mechanisms in place to safeguard the waterways. But we also want you to enjoy the same quality of service like anywhere else; that is why we’ll be investing in micro water treatment facilities, bringing in the latest technology so that at your central areas, your children, the women, and your families can have access to high-quality water that they will be able to drink from the tap,” he stated.
Ali, who is seeking re-election for a second term along with PM Phillips at the upcoming September 1 General and Regional Elections, recalled that it was five years ago, on August 2, that the current PPP/C Administration was sworn into office after a tumultuous five-month impasse and kickstarted the unprecedented development that is being witnessed countrywide, including in Region One.

Poverty Reduction Strategy
The Head of State went on to assure that under the next PPP/C Administration, residents all across the entire Barima-Waini region can look forward to continued transformative development aimed at improving living and economic conditions there.
He further detailed plans for sector-specific enhancements, including in agriculture, to restore industries like cocoa and coffee, upskilling of various categories of citizens, improving education and healthcare services, and housing support for the Barima-Waini region.
In fact, Ali touted a special program, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, that will focus on addressing poverty across the region. This, he explained, will see “…through direct support, direct involvement, bringing people together, leveraging the experience of the private sector that we have operated in these communities to work with the community themselves to create an environment in which we can develop and prosper. That is the future—unlimited possibility.”
In fact, the President stated that the governing PPP/C is the only party that can be trusted to continue bringing prosperity and dignity to every home and community across Region One.
“You’ve seen the development in your region. You’ve seen the development in your sub-region, and this is just the beginning of what will be the most transformative development path of our country. I assure you that you cannot begin to imagine the future that is before you, the type of prosperity and investment that will be made here in Region One, here in Matarkai, in every single community.”
“Our Amerindian brothers and sisters know… The People’s Progressive Party has always been faithful to you, faithful to your communities, and faithful to your development. Whether out of office or in office, this party has consistently stood by the side of our Amerindian brothers and sisters,” Ali stressed.
To this end, he cautioned residents not to be swayed by those who come with seasonal and a ‘one-day goodie,’ believing they can remove or rewrite 65 years of struggles and leadership of the PPP.
“Let us not believe for a moment that our future is defined by some people promising handouts and grants…those things are guaranteed under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic. But the future we are planning for you is much more exciting. It is much more comprehensive. The future is about empowerment and enabling. It’s about building prosperity. It’s about removing and reducing poverty to the ultimate lowest level. It’s about social investment and development. It’s about building the family. It’s about giving our children the best possible opportunity. That is what the future is about… and who in this country has been tried and tested? It is your party—the People’s Progressive Party/Civic,” President Ali declared.