By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News |
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, has visited the East Coast Demerara community of Bareroot, where she met with residents and listened to a range of concerns affecting daily life in the village.
During the engagement, the Minister cautioned residents that while government is committed to development, meaningful change requires time and adherence to established processes.
“I don’t believe in promising and then these things sometimes don’t happen overnight,” Manickchand told residents. She explained that major infrastructure works such as bridges and roads involve procurement and planning processes that take time, though smaller interventions like cleaning and signage can begin more immediately.
The Minister emphasized that her absence from the community on a daily basis should not be interpreted as neglect, reaffirming her role as a public servant accountable to residents.
“You will see changes, but you’re going to see it over time, once we get the processes completed,” she said.
Residents used the opportunity to outline several pressing needs, including the construction of a new community centre, improved road and bridge infrastructure, and better street lighting throughout the village. Many highlighted the lack of adequate facilities and services, stressing that Bareroot remains in urgent need of sustained government intervention.
The visit was welcomed by residents, who expressed hope that their concerns would translate into tangible action in the months ahead. While acknowledging that solutions may not be immediate, community members said the direct engagement provided reassurance that their voices were being heard at the ministerial level.
Manickchand’s visit forms part of her ongoing mandate to engage communities, assess local challenges, and work with relevant agencies to improve governance and service delivery across Guyana.
