President Bharrat Jagdeo called on regional officials during his two-day tour of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) to reach out, interact and give leadership to the citizens.
In his address to regional officials and other prominent citizens in the regional boardroom at Anna Regina last Friday, he said all council members should explain to the people what are the needs and constraints, and the importance of paying up their rates and taxes so that they can get more and improved services.
The president said that the Regional Democratic Council must consider the budgets of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Town Council and seek the necessary funding.
He also advised that council members should not only occupy office but must do the work.
Further, he informed his audience about the difficulties affecting the economy and the country, including the upsurge in crime, and other issues including bringing normalcy to the bauxite industry, problems in the sugar, rice, gold and diamond industries as well as in the banking, housing and small business sectors.
However, Jagdeo noted that in spite of a few problems and difficulties there are bright spots.
The president was accompanied by Ministers Navin Chandarpal and Clinton Collymore and advisor on Empowerment Odinga Lumumba.
The boardroom meeting was preceded by tours to the Anna Regina old market, the new fire station site, Bushlot Market and the new private housing project at Land of Plenty. Last Friday evening he declared open Essequibo Night 2002 at the Anna Regina community centre ground.
The president said that government will work hard to ensure that people get the service they need. "We must never lose sight of the wonderful things that are taking place in our country and Essequibo Night is just one example of entrepreneurship."
On day two of the President's visit he did a live interview on RCA TV Channel 8 at Charity where he spoke about the state of the economy, the crime situation, agriculture, markets and manufacturing, among other matters. He then handed over four boats and outboard engines to four health sector committees in the Pomeroon River.
In addition, he met with farmers and residents from the lower Pomeroon River at Mr Indal's residence where issues such as drainage and irrigation, the need for two hymacs for digging, desilting and empoldering and copra prices, among other matters, were raised and addressed.
The president and his party later met with rice farmers and residents at Mr King's residence in New Road.
The party on the final lap visited the Westbury New Housing area. The president in most of his discussions reiterated that "No one in this country is greater or lesser - all are Guyanese and will be treated equally." (Yusuf Khan)