Georgetown: President Donald Ramotar had reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to supporting the development taking place in Region 9 despite the fact that efforts to accelerate that development is being hindered by the combined opposition.
The Head of State made these remarks as he was addressing the spectators at the opening of the Rupununi Rodeo, In Lethem, Saturday morning, where he was joined by, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali, Minister of Culture,Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai among others.
The President went on to explain that some of Government’s efforts for development are being hindered , referring to the recent budget cut to the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), and the cut to the budget of the Ministry of Public Works.
This move, he emphasized, will have direct impact on all hinterland communities.
“The ADF was aimed at offering cheap loans to people to develop businesses, we have new projects and that money would have been to assist in the land demarcation project for Amerindians and for them to develop their skills in various fields, ”
In this regard, he called on those present to recognize that the words of the Opposition “do not match their deeds as they say they want to see development, and yet cut these funds that will directly affect development”.
“I ask each one of you to support so that we can work together to reverse the trend. We will do everything legally to ensure we reverse and prevent them from retarding the development of our country. The Rupununi has great potential, and we will ensure we continue along this path,” the Head of State said.
Alluding to the success of the Rupununi Rodeo, President Ramotar noted that the annual event has evolved over the years and that the community itself continues to angle towards rapid development; he said too that as a result of the investments in human capital, many young Guyanese are afforded the opportunity to study abroad in order to develop themselves as this is critical for any country to concentrate on developing the economy.
“What we see in Lethem is a microcosm of what is taking place in all of Guyana, and Lethem and Rupununi are growing at a rapid pace. Today we have managed to fulfill many of what we have promised in the social sector, giving our children an opportunity to have secondary education,” he stated.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony also pledged his Ministry’s support towards developing various aspects of sporting activities in the community.
The President handed over a cheque valued $500,000 to the Lethem Rodeo Committee and assured that efforts will be made to ensure better infrastructure is in place as the event continues to grow in popularity.
While in the Region, the Head of State and the Cabinet members visited many of the businesses and interacted with the proprietors and customers in the commercial area.
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