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Bartica declares support for PPP/C

– residents promised improved power, better airstrip, roads – says it wants development to continue, other woes addressed

 

 

By Devina Samaroo

Hundreds of Guyanese on Saturday turned out to the massive rally held by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) which is considered to be the gateway to the interior where they declared support their support for the re-elected of a PPP/C Government with a majority. But residents also called on the party to address several of their concerns as they pressed for continued development and progress as opposed to change. During their rally, the PPP/C presented several plans they have for future development in the region. Prime Minister with Responsibility for Energy Samuel Hinds noted that the government intends to establish a new and improved power station with larger capacity to fix the electricity woes and to better service the community of Bartica.

Infrastructural plans

Hundreds turned out to a rally organised by the People's Progressive Party/Civic in Bartica, Region Seven on Saturday to listen to President Donald Ramotar's address

Hundreds turned out to a rally organised by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in Bartica, Region Seven on Saturday to listen to President Donald Ramotar’s address

Additionally, Transport and Harbour Minister Robeson Benn also reveal plans to invest heavily into the development of the Bartica Airstrip in order to ensure it is in an up-to-standard condition. In addition to that improvement, he said the Government intends to create a new waiting area in the vicinity of the airport in providing for the comfort of passengers. While not addressing the concerns of the roadways right in the heart of Bartica, the Minister did promise to improve on the main access roads to various hinterland areas. For example, he promised that the PPP/C will continue to work on the maintennace of the Potaro, Itabali and Piruni roads. But the biggest annoucnement under the party’s infrastructural plans for the region includes the development of a Parika-Bartica Roadway. In fact, he disclosed that the Delconte Road is already under feasibility studies to ensure everything is intact for the establishment of this roadway. Government also intends to open up a trail from Sandhills on the Demerara River to the other side of the bank, according to Minister Benn. He assured as well that they will complete the road from Bartica four-mile leading to the airstrip. The Minister also underscored the heavy focus government has given to the gold mining sector, highlighting the progress with the Kiruni Gold Project on Potaro River and the Aurora Gold Mines. President Donald Ramotar in his address, also emphasised on the importance of mining to the community of Bartica, as he promised to ensure fair and equal opportunities for both large scale and small scale miners. He assured that Government, once reelected, will review the mining laws to ensure small scale miners can acquire land to do their own mining without having to get permission from the bigger companies. As it relates to the housing sector, Government officials spoke highly about the transformation in this regard with the development of three new housing schemes since the PPP/C took office. At the rally, the PPP/C vowed to improve the already existing housing schemes as they disclosed plans to develop more in the near future.

Progress, development

A section of the gathering at the rally

A section of the gathering at the rally

But even as the PPP/C campaign trail hit Bartica, the rapidly developing community, its residents underscored the need for better facilities and services. Arguably, there is no doubt that the community drastically transformed under the current Administration’s regime and is well on its way to earning a township status. But while the economic side of things reflects positively, residents complained of basic needs being neglected. Speaking with the Guyana Times shortly before the massive PPP/C rally commenced, Dwayne Benjamin, a local taxi driver, vented his frustration over the underdeveloped roads. He explained that, for a community that is on the journey to township, the roads are in a terrible state. Indeed so, the main access road on First Avenue Bartica exhibited many potholes. Benjamin cried that the drivers usually have to spend a lot of money unnecessarily to repair their vehicles when they are damaged as a result from travelling on the roads. Some taxi operators even resort to driving on the paves in order to avoid falling into the huge holes in the road. The taxi driver acknowledged that the heavy duty trucks that pass through the area contribute to the roads’ destruction and called on the authorities to have systems in place to repair the roads on a regular basis. He disclosed that the local business community would often come together to fill the holes with cement, but that solution is merely temporary as the roads are once again destroyed if a truck passes or if it rains. Residents also complained about the uncontrollable garbage situation. They pointed out, with disgust, the build up of garbage at the kokers and canals. One resident, Sanjay Rampersaud, noted that this disaster often leads to severe flooding in the area, especially when it rains heavily or if there are high tides. While he acknowledged that the residents have to develop zero tolerance for littering, Rampersaud recommended the authorities put the measures in place to enforce the anti-littering laws. Moving along, while Bartica is doing well in its education sector, others seem to think there is room for much more improvement. Akeem who is a father of one, noted that there are not enough facilities to accommodate afterschool studying activities, pointing out that Bartica needs a library to facilitate researching aspect of the education aqcuisition process. He pleaded with the Government to look into this situation as he is of the belief that a sound education is the key to success in all other departments. Meanwhile, one aspect that annoys almost everyone travelling is the unmoderised systems at the Bartica stelling. In fact, several persons voiced the need for an immediate upgrade to the stelling. As it is now, there are no safety hazards but operators opined that the Government should not wait until the structure reaches that state before they make a move to fix it.

Praises Other residents praised the ruling Administration for the work it has done within the region and the fact that are now more access to opportunities there for students and youths than at any other time in the history of the country. One resident remarked that he was proud of the work done by the Government in the area of education and health while noting that now residents can access better and improved health care at little or no expense. Other spoke of the improved security situation in the region and the work done by the PPP/C under both Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar to boost the security profile of the region following the brutal Bartica Massacre. “I know people will complain about some things. I recognise we still need more development but I would be lying to say that the Government, the PPP/C as party has not done a lot for us. I know they have lots more to do”, another supporter told this newspaper during the rally.

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Originally Posted by yuji22:

It is about time admin step in and address warrior. Time out will serve him right. He is either drunk or on drugs.

every body promising some thing or the other,the ppp was promising for 22yrs now i make one promise and it offend you,i bet when kwame promise you it was okay

FM
Originally Posted by warrior:

Alena i promise to be a good man for you 

Once a warrior always a warrior, you are excused.

 

When PPP wins you will change your nic to peace.

alena06
Last edited by alena06
Originally Posted by alena06:
Originally Posted by warrior:

Alena i promise to be a good man for you 

Once a warrior always a warrior, you are excused.

i am sorry if i offend you but i want to convert you to the collation it will save your soul

FM
Originally Posted by skeldon_man:
Originally Posted by warrior:

Alena i promise to be a good man for you 

You are such a maggot..probably from a road kill pig.

i always like women so move on

FM

Did the PPP act on these concerns?

http://www.stabroeknews.com/20...-say-about%E2%80%A6/

 

This week we asked residents of Bartica to share with us concerns and views about their township.

Photos and interviews by Marcelle Thomas

Holbert Knights – Teacher ‘In Bartica there is much going on especially now that the political campaign season is on. The politicians come to Bartica and everyone makes big promises campaigning on youth development because they know that is what Barticians want to hear. However over the 19 years that the incumbent PPP/C has been in power there has been nothing significant to say or show that they have done for the youths and I am vexed. Now the irony too is that everyone is talking youths and none is on the platform and even if they do none will be from Bartica. I think Bartica needs an excellent strategic youth development programme that will look at education and the overall development of our youths. Most party and see the mining life as their career. Internal and external examination results are atrocious.’

Stephen Belle- Hotelier ‘Bartica has developed tremendously over the years. However I think with that development came many vehicles and it is congested in first and second avenues which is the main business area in Bartica.  I think that the roads should be made one way in opposite directions to ease on the buildup. Also sanitation needs to be looked at there has to be some sanitation management. The dump is right near to a booming housing development scheme so it should be moved from just a stone’s throw from people’s homes. There is no youth and sport development also so that needs development in an effort to reduce policing work due to possible criminal acts that might lean towards not having anything to do. The power station too was built at a time when the output was less, now it’s in the heart of Bartica the commercial area and the noise and pollutants coming from there is hazardous.’

Elizabeth Wilkinson- Businesswoman ‘Garbage is my biggest problem. It begins from here at the arcade. The sellers from Parika come and use the place and leave all their rubbish. No one cleans here. When they hear the president coming everybody run and cleaning like mad. Well I will tell them, president or not, from tomorrow everyone will have to clean their rubbish because it seems only the president people have respect for. I don’t care if me and them get it out. We also need better roads here. The roads small, well some I will call a dam cause some wash away. If we don’t get roads now when will we get it?’

Christopher George:  Self Employed `A major problem in Bartica is the dumpsite. It is in a terrible state. Traversing by transportation it’s a hindrance. Animals like the cows and so go in and pull the rubbish out to the road. Nothing seems to be doing we have been complaining a long time. Two, the roads in Bartica are terrible. Potholes galore in some and all we get are promises to fix them. We don’t want promises we want changes. Another humbug is the traffic congestion in First and Second Avenue. I think they should make them one way roads. Officials in charge have to remember that Bartica then isn’t Bartica now.  Everyone owns a vehicle here and sometimes it’s best just to walk.’

Ron Ghanie – Public Servant Employee ‘In Bartica the road from One Mile to the secondary school stretch is in a state and needs addressing urgently. The garbage situation is getting worse and worse and it would be nice if it can be fixed. In house little things we can fix ourselves and we have because we always hear that funds are limited but with the bigger things we need help’.

Elroy Joe Roads – Self Employed ‘We need roads. One should take a look around. They would be shocked to know that the quarry is so near and that’s the condition of our roads. It’s shameful. Another issue is the GPL power station. It is in the middle of the busiest shopping and business area on First Avenue and should be moved. That needs to be addressed urgently or people will become sick. Water in Bartica is also a problem not only the flow but the quality. You can’t think once about using it for drinking. It is full of sediments, it brown. This is because there is no proper water purification and filtration system. Youths too need to be looked at. I feel troubled for the youths they need something to do.’

Rosina Charles- Housewife

‘Where I am from in Bartica there is no water and the roads horrible. I have to fetch water into where I live and it tires me out and the colour like creek water but it is from the pipe. I want them to look into the condition of the roads. They should also look into having a school bus for children who have to travel long distances to school. The children of parents like me who don’t have a vehicle suffer waiting on the bus because they feel that everyone has a car and my children end up late many days. They should also check the garbage on the road that smelling stink. They have to control that dump nothing is being done and it could get the people sick when the rainy season begins.’

Candace Weekes- Businesswoman `The Hospital in Bartica needs up-to-date equipment. It needs development. If there is any emergency you have to go to town. When my children get sick I have to travel all the way to town. The nurses are good but they don’t have the equipment they need. Simple things like oxygen you have to travel all the way to Georgetown for. Everything else to me is okay everyone lives loving and all is well.’

Chelsea Loncke- Self Employed `I am a youth and I think that youth issues need addressing. There isn’t much for youths to do here even after school. There are many promises of youth development but nothing seems to be coming forthright. Also the issue of roads here, when the President comes they don’t drive him by the bad road you know, they drive him on the good road. We need the road especially at Four Miles to be developed. The water too is a problem you can’t even wash black clothes some days how it so dirty. Solid waste management is also an issue and the dumpsite is evidence of this. It is a health epidemic waiting to happen’.

Alden Marslowe -Photographer ‘Whoever is in government at whatever time needs to look at youth development in Bartica. We heard about trades schools, playfields and others developmental areas and yet we don’t see anything. I feel as if at election time everyone comes and makes promises, it’s the usual rhetoric. Looking after the needs of the people we feel left out. We don’t want to see their faces but if the people on the ground here can represent us we would feel good. That too isn’t done.’

Mitwah
Originally Posted by alena06:

PPP has Bartica covered, one more down!

 

Alena, the PPP is headed to a landslide majority.

 

Guyanese cannot be fooled by a PNC GT motorcade being rolled across the country to save the AFC from disgrace.

 

The PPP is running a perfect campaign this time around unlike the last time when Robert Persaud ran a horrible campaign with large motorcades.

 

The grassroots will decide the election and the PPP is now working at the grassroots level.

 

Moses on the other hand has failed to bring out Indo support, just a few PNC Indians show up for his meetings. Granger has now demanded that Moses deliver.

 

Moses is now in hot water, he cannot deliver. This is fun to watch.

 

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

Gil,we have a couple regions covered we will win,let the

PPP/C boys keep their hopes high,apparently they have not

seen the writing on the wall.

Django
Originally Posted by Django:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

Gil,we have a couple regions covered we will win,let the

PPP/C boys keep their hopes high,apparently they have not

seen the writing on the wall.

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

The PPP got a trouncing there the last time and are due for a more severe one this time. The residents all live with their problems. They heard what was promised that will be done in 2011 and know it was a forgotten promise. The government has failed on the very basic levels here; the delivery of water, electricity, transportation infrastructure and sanitation. The crime rate there is abominable so public safety was a failure as well.  The PPP is not winning hearts here even if they promise manna from heaven

FM

Give PPP credit for a good meeting there.

 

However, people know the promises made never get accomplished.

 

Govt too busy cooking up scams than to fulfill their election manifesto.

 

Let's hope the Coalition do well there.

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

If APNU is neck and neck with the PPP in Bartica then they lose Region 7.  The more densely Amerindian areas go PPP.

 

Has APNU AFC done anything in Bartica?

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

If APNU is neck and neck with the PPP in Bartica then they lose Region 7.  The more densely Amerindian areas go PPP.

 

Has APNU AFC done anything in Bartica?

what does such an inane question even mean?

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

If APNU is neck and neck with the PPP in Bartica then they lose Region 7.  The more densely Amerindian areas go PPP.

 

Has APNU AFC done anything in Bartica?

An APNU team had a fan-out exercise there over a month ago. They have to revisit.

FM
Originally Posted by redux:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

If APNU is neck and neck with the PPP in Bartica then they lose Region 7.  The more densely Amerindian areas go PPP.

 

Has APNU AFC done anything in Bartica?

what does such an inane question even mean?

Thew question is quite simple to any one other than you.

 

Gilbakka fears that Bartica is 50:50.  Bartica through to Mahdia were always PNC strongholds.  Its the other parts of Region 7 which the PPP wins.

 

So if the PPP is close in Bartica then they win Region 7.

 

So with that explanation, I repeat, is the APNU AFC doing anything in Region 7?  Because it is odd if the PPP is close to them in Bartica.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:
 

An APNU team had a fan-out exercise there over a month ago. They have to revisit.

Don't they have an active ground operation? 

 

Bartica has a very mobile population, so periodic visits aren't going to cut it.  Among other things they should be ensuring that people registered in Bartica are in Bartica on May 11 or they cannot vote.

 

This is why I am not counting out the PPP  Give Jack his jacket, but they do have a strong ground operation, which I am not confident that either APNU or the AFC have.

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

 

PPP is taking Bartica/Region 7. "Boots on the Ground" has been working in Region 7 for months now.

 

As usual, AFC is daydreaming.

FM
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

 

PPP is taking Bartica/Region 7. "Boots on the Ground" has been working in Region 7 for months now.

 

As usual, AFC is daydreaming.

Let us compare "boots on the ground" with a Moses cult led by Jay, Mitwah and Kari.  Now which approach do you think will be more effective on election day, especially in a town like Bartica with its very mobile population?

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by yuji22:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

 

PPP is taking Bartica/Region 7. "Boots on the Ground" has been working in Region 7 for months now.

 

As usual, AFC is daydreaming.

Let us compare "boots on the ground" with a Moses cult led by Jay, Mitwah and Kari.  Now which approach do you think will be more effective on election day, especially in a town like Bartica with its very mobile population?

 

As I said before, the AFC is daydreaming. You can add Gil to the list AFC of daydreamers.

 

It is "Boots on the Ground" which destroyed the Lazy AFC Daydreamers in Berbice.

 

AFC is fast asleep.

 

 

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by redux:
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

The way I see it, Bartica/Region 7 will be a neck-to-neck finish. I am not betting on this region yet.

If APNU is neck and neck with the PPP in Bartica then they lose Region 7.  The more densely Amerindian areas go PPP.

 

Has APNU AFC done anything in Bartica?

what does such an inane question even mean?

Thew question is quite simple to any one other than you.

 

Gilbakka fears that Bartica is 50:50.  Bartica through to Mahdia were always PNC strongholds.  Its the other parts of Region 7 which the PPP wins.

 

So if the PPP is close in Bartica then they win Region 7.

 

So with that explanation, I repeat, is the APNU AFC doing anything in Region 7?  Because it is odd if the PPP is close to them in Bartica.

your "explanation" explains nothing . . . your question remains inane

 

you are the worst kind of political child, spooked by an underwhelming PPP rally, who needs a show to feel that something is being "done"

 

fear not, there will be a APNU-AFC "show" in Bartica before election day, arite?

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by redux:
.

your "explanation" explains nothing . . . your question remains inane

 

you are the worst kind of political child, spooked by an underwhelming PPP rally, who needs a show to feel that something is being "done"

 

fear not, there will be a APNU-AFC "show" in Bartica before election day, arite?

Redux I respect Gilbakka more than I respect you.  Gilbakka is saying that a PNC stronghold is touch and go.  If Bartica is touch and go then one will ask why, when it has always been a PNC stronghold, and the PNC did well there a mere 3 years ago.

 

Now if you are so stubborn and stupid that you cannot understand this I cannot help you.

 

Rest assured that its the people of Guyana, and not angry redux who will determine the results of the election.

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Can you all leave Alena to dream.

 

What is 100 certain is that Bartica always voted APNU and will continue to solidly vote APNU.

 

APNU do not even have to go up there but they shall win hands down.

FM
Originally Posted by Nehru:
Originally Posted by alena06:

PPP has Bartica covered, one more down!

Gal, PPP gat Guyana covered BUt these Neemakaram DAAGS will bark and bark like the Parasites they are

You are a vile degenerate just like that crooked lot. I do not know on what account you feel inclined to label anyone here a parasite for confronting the PPP corruption.

 

If you need to get a hint as to what real parasitism looks like; check all of those poor assed fellows who could not get out on financial first base all of their lives on their own but who are now sporting obscene cash after being in office a couple of decades.

 

Hopefully we will rid our nation of these barnacle-like encrustations on the nations till and have them all on the treadmill doing real work for a living rather than stealing us blind.

FM
Last edited by Former Member

Look, guys. It's true Bartica has always been a PNC stronghold. That doesn't mean that APNU should take Bartica for granted.

Every day I'm combing the Facebook pages of the opposition. They're posting pictures of most places they visit. Granger was in Moruca this past weekend, for example. Nagamootoo was at Annandale. Nigel Hughes was selling newspapers in La Penitence market. The AFC guys were also in West Demerara.

The last Bartica pictures I saw was about 5-6 weeks ago. APNU sent a heavy team and they fanned out to Bartica and surroundings. I want to believe that APNU+AFC activists are on the ground there but there is a mysterious silence. I am saying that the opposition should revisit with a top-class team and rally the folks there. Everything to gain.

 

FM
Originally Posted by KishanB:

 

APNU do not even have to go up there but they shall win hands down.

That is a dumb statement.  If voters aren't courted they might not vote.  APNU AFC better not have the arrogance to think that the PPP can go into their turf and not defend it.

FM
Originally Posted by Gilbakka:

Look, guys. It's true Bartica has always been a PNC stronghold. That doesn't mean that APNU should take Bartica for granted.

Every day I'm combing the Facebook pages of the opposition. They're posting pictures of most places they visit. Granger was in Moruca this past weekend, for example. Nagamootoo was at Annandale. Nigel Hughes was selling newspapers in La Penitence market. The AFC guys were also in West Demerara.

The last Bartica pictures I saw was about 5-6 weeks ago. APNU sent a heavy team and they fanned out to Bartica and surroundings. I want to believe that APNU+AFC activists are on the ground there but there is a mysterious silence. I am saying that the opposition should revisit with a top-class team and rally the folks there. Everything to gain.

 

Bartica is a mining and trading town, meaning that it has a transient population.  APNU cannot have an out of town apparatus periodically dropping in.  That should be used to fire up the crowds, but their needs to be on the ground campaigning.

 

I am getting a sneaking feeling that APNU is taking its voters for granted while it outreaches to others.  They should look to 2006 to see what happened.  While outreach is necessary, so is firing up the base. 

FM
Originally Posted by alena06:

Bartica declares support for PPP/C

– residents promised improved power, better airstrip, roads – says it wants development to continue, other woes addressed

 

 

 

Yeh right.  May 12 is less than 29 days away.  I will come back and share the facts with you.

 

Bartica always vote solidly AGAINST the PPP.

 

Only an ideological fool like Alena will try to pull this crap here.

 

 

FM

The PPP won Region 7 in 2006.  This because the Bartica vote for the PNC wasn't enough to offset PPP votes elsewhere.

 

APNU AFC cannot afford to take Bartica for granted by not having a boots on the ground operation.  It isn't only about spreading their message, but also about ensuring that the transient parts of the population ensure that they are in town on May 11th to vote.   This is a mining and trading town, so many move in and out.

FM

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