By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
Two recently appointed Members of Parliament, Sharma Solomon of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Dr. Ryan Richards of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), have vowed to advocate for equitable development, fair resource distribution, and improved living conditions across Region 10, citing years of neglect and marginalisation.
Solomon: “Region 10 Must Not Be Left Behind”
Former Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, now Shadow Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Natural Resources, says his parliamentary agenda will focus on ensuring that communities in Region 10 receive their fair share of national resources.
Speaking with HGP Nightly News, Solomon stressed that the region’s developmental challenges—especially in infrastructure, resource management, and governance—stem from inequitable distribution of resources and political discrimination.
“We must ensure that the issues affecting people in Region 10, which have reflected themselves in marginalisation and unequal resource distribution, are addressed,” Solomon said.
He argued that Linden and surrounding mining communities should not be punished for their political alignment, noting that development must be seen as a national right, not a privilege.
“These are issues we can now bring to the National Assembly to have representation from the grassroots level,” he emphasized.
Solomon, who holds an academic background in international relations, said his dual oversight of public service and natural resources portfolios will enable him to pursue accountability and modernization in state institutions.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources, working with the Ministry of Government Efficiency, gives me an opportunity to address issues in key sectors — from oil and gas to gold mining — including oversight of entities like the GGMC,” he explained.
“In the public service, I intend to assess how agencies such as the NDMA can improve service delivery, strengthen operations, and build a more efficient and well-trained workforce.”
Solomon added that his ultimate goal is to ensure systems truly work for the people, promising his “full attention and commitment” to every area in need of reform.
Richards: “Linden’s Youth and Economy Need Urgent Attention”
Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan Richards, a dentist and Member of Parliament representing Linden under WIN, voiced frustration over what he described as chronic underdevelopment in several Region 10 communities — including poor sports infrastructure, erratic water supply, and persistent blackouts.
“For the past two days, water was only just restored in Amelia’s Ward. In Retrieve, where I live, we still don’t have 24-hour service — and when water comes, it’s filthy,” he lamented.
Richards pointed to inadequate sports facilities in Mackenzie, Retrieve, and surrounding areas, saying the situation has stifled youth development.
“There are very few spaces for young people to participate in sports like basketball or football,” he said. “Even though the Mackenzie Sports Complex is being upgraded into a stadium and the Bayrock synthetic track is under construction, many community grounds remain neglected.”
He urged renewed investment in community sports, describing it as essential for youth engagement and crime prevention.
“Our goal must be to revitalise community sports by providing safe, accessible, and well-equipped facilities where young people can train, play, and thrive.”
Economic Revival and Infrastructure Reform
Dr. Richards also highlighted the need to restore the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) — an institution he said once served as a catalyst for entrepreneurship in Region 10 but has since become dormant.
“The LEN has substantial funds sitting idle, but because there is no constituted board, small business owners cannot access financing. We need urgent action to reactivate this institution and help entrepreneurs contribute to Linden’s economic revival,” he declared.
He also pointed to persistent blackouts in Wismar, arguing that reliable electricity is essential for business operations and everyday life, and called for better road construction standards that include proper drainage and irrigation systems.
“Reliable electricity is more than a convenience — it’s necessary for community development and safety,” Richards asserted.
A Shared Vision for Region 10
Both MPs agreed that Region 10’s development must be prioritised through fair resource allocation, stronger accountability, and people-centred governance.
Their shared advocacy signals a renewed parliamentary push to ensure that Linden and its surrounding communities are no longer left behind in national development planning.
