Baramita Primary School to get 600 tablets, internet access
the Cyril Potter College of Education did not have the requisite devices to effectively deliver education at the community’s primary and secondary schools, to which the president subsequently disclosed that these teachers will also be equipped with tablets.
President Ali also pledged to initiate an agriculture livelihood project, where farmers can aid in advancing the economic development of their community through large-scale crop and poultry production.
Guyana/Venezuela border controversy
Ali also assured residents of Baramita that Guyana remains committed to peacefully resolving the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela and that there was absolutely nothing to fear.
Tensions have sharply escalated in recent months over Venezuela’s plans for a referendum on December 3rd on its claim to Essequibo.
“We are not taking anything for granted…That is why our overall strategy is nothing to be alarmed about. There is absolutely nothing to fear. We are doing everything by international guidelines, and we believe that Venezuela will not act recklessly,” the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces told the residents.
Ali posited that while he cannot stop the government of Venezuela from forging ahead with its referendum, which seeks to make claims over Esse-quibo a county which belongs to Guyana, Cara-cas must not act recklessly.
“We always say that every action reacts, while we are hoping that Vene-zuela abides with international law and doesn’t do anything reckless, we are still committed to securing our territorial integrity in the case of any eventuality, while we are hopeful, we are also cautious and will not operate in a naïve manner,” the Commander-inChief affirmed.
Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, also urged the residents to not entertain fear but to remain vigilant.
He assured that government in partnership with its military allies will do everything in its power to maintain order and peace on the nation’s border.
Baramita solar power programme
Meanwhile, according to a release from the
Department of Public Information (DPI), residents of Baramita are now benefitting from the government’s 30,000 per household solar power programme.
A total of 700 solar panels were delivered to residents at a cost of approximately $40 million.
According to DPI, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, led the distribution exercise at the Baramita Multipurpose Centre. He was accompanied by regional officers and a representative from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).
In his address to residents, Croal explained that the distribution of solar panels is part of the government’s manifesto commitment to ensure that all communities have access to electricity.
Under the Hinterland Electrification programme, the government has procured 30,000 solar panels for hinterland and riverine areas.
“In fact, for Region One alone, we have invested over half billion [dollars] for eight thousand plus solar panels…we want to ensure that all of our residents in these
remote areas are receiving electricity,” Croal underscored.
The minister also spoke about some of the social ills plaguing Baramita, including suicide and substance abuse, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holistically addressing these issues.
The community is also benefitting from $35 million in carbon credit funds for community development ventures. The community also benefits from annual Presidential Grant funds for projects.
Baramita is one of the largest Amerindian settlements in Guyana with a population of 4,000 spread across 22 satellite areas.
To further improve access to potable water, Croal said the government will seek to drill another well in the area. The community is currently receiving water on a scheduled basis.
Meanwhile, 500 solar panels costing $30 million were distributed to residents of Matthews Ridge.