Entrenched attitudes must go - President by Michelle Elphage Guyana Chronicle September 11, 1999 PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has called on Government agencies to be more "responsive" to the people, stressing that entrenched attitudes must be removed. Pointing to steps being taken to decentralise the Government, he told a gathering at the Berbice Community High School in New Amsterdam late yesterday afternoon that unity is the key to success. President Jagdeo is in Berbice with his 24-member Cabinet meeting the people in an historic fan-out. "There are many people with entrenched attitudes...(but) we're (all) servants of the people...and we must behave that way," Mr. Jagdeo told the community meeting. Others there included Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, Foreign Minister, Mr. Clement Rohee and Local Government Minister, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta. "Our country has undergone a traumatic experience. The worst came out but we have to move on", the President said. He said now is the time to put differences aside, stressing that now is also the time for healing. According to the Guyanese leader, progress can be 10 times better if the nation works in unity. He noted that external forces were becoming increasingly threatening to small states like Guyana and it was time that everyone throws in their lot. "If we don't, we will sink," the President declared. He also called on the young people of the region to step up in line but quickly added that this did not mean de-emphasising the role of the elderly. The Head-of-State has promised a University of Guyana campus in Berbice next year. He also pledged to speed up the implementation of projects, acknowledging a problem of poor water supply that affects Berbice. "I want the people of Berbice to know that there has been some delay in the implementation of projects, it is not because there is some wavering of commitment," he assured. The Government, Mr. Jagdeo said, is working with the Guyana Sugar Corporation to find US$200M so that major sugar production can be shifted to Berbice. According to the President, this will lower the cost of production, something badly needed if the country is to continue competing in the global market. During the question and answer session, residents raised the water problem and the President promised urgent redress. A case of domestic violence, unemployment once the Berbice Mining Enterprise (BERMINE) is privatised and land allocation were among other issues raised. The President mandated Mr. Geoff Da Silva to collect information on the various issues so that he can act on them. Berbice was a buzz of activity yesterday as the President and his 24-member Cabinet opened the two-day visit. The President received a warm welcome from students of five primary schools in the New Amsterdam area. He and his wife Varshnie were garlanded on arrival at State House in New Amsterdam. "This is very historic for me and the people of Berbice. I hope with the presence of the ministers, we can look forward for further development," Regional Chairman, Mr. Rohit Persaud told the Chronicle. This is the first such activity in the country and according to one government official, it shows the historical continuity of what the administration is doing. President Jagdeo arrived in New Amsterdam around 10:00 hrs, shortly after most Cabinet ministers, some of whom had already began their hectic schedule. He was followed shortly after by Prime Minister Sam Hinds. "Today is historic because this is the cradle of Berbice labour," Information Minister, Mr. Moses Nagamootoo added. He met Berbice media officials before the official 13:00 hrs sitting of the Cabinet at the Rose Hall Estate Training Centre. Yesterday's agenda for ministers included land lease distribution and a meeting with Supreme Court officials. The Berbice special Cabinet sitting was the first in a series of such meetings in an effort to take the ministers out to the people, the President said this week. Following the Cabinet session, President Jagdeo paid an impromptu visit to the Rose Hall Market. He spent more than 30 minutes talking with vendors and workers from the sugar estate. As word spread that he was there, people from nearby villages rushed to meet the President, several offering congratulations and support. Today the President and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon are to visit the Corriverton Market. Mr. Jagdeo and Nagamootoo will also carry out a similar activity in the Port Mourant Market. A © page from: Guyana: Land of Six Peoples