Pomeroon boat commissioned by President still not in use
December 13, 2015 By GuyanaTimes
− Pomeroon children feeling the squeeze, unable to attend school
BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM
The second boat – the David G 2 – that was recently commissioned by President David Granger on October, 30, in
The second boat, the David G 2 that was recently commissioned by President David Granger
The second boat, the David G 2 that was recently commissioned by President David Granger
Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is yet to become operational.
The boat was gifted to the Pomeroon community through the President “three B’s” (Bus, Boat, and Bicycle) initiative to assist parents living in the riverain communities.
According to People’s Progressive Party/Civic Councillor Beatrice Mittelholzer, parents living in the Pomeroon River have complained to her of not being able to send their children to school.
She said many of them are calling on the Government to reintroduce the $10,000 “Because We Care” cash grant to assist them in sending their children to school.
Mittelholzer during the last Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting held at the Lake Mainstay Conference Centre, Essequibo, Region Two informed her fellow Councillors that the second boat which was recently commissioned by President Granger is still to be made available to children in the Pomeroon. She said that since the commissioning, parents living in the Pomeroon River have not received any information related to the boat or its schedule.
After listening to the RDC Councillor, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt instructed the Clerk of the RDC Rupert Hopkinson to follow up, since its almost three months since the boat was handed over to transport children across the river.
Ramdatt said the handing over was done due to a need that existed, and it is unfortunate that it is not serving its intended purpose. “It is unfortunate and disrespectful to the people, particularly the students of Pomeroon,” Ramdatt commented.
Meanwhile, Rupert Hopkinson promised to follow up on the issue but told the RDC that he was not aware of such.
Two boats were donated thus far for the children living in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon area. The first was donated by Essequibo businessman Alfro Alphanso and the second by CGX Energy Inc. At the recent commissioning, President Granger had noted that the best investment one can make is in the education sector.
The President had mentioned to the gathering that during his birthday, he called on businesses to come on board and donate boats that will benefit children. He said the boats will ensure easier access for those children living in Upper Pomeroon, as parents previously complained over the exorbitant fees they have to spend to send their children to schools on the Essequibo Coast.