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Georgetown, GINA, February 07, 2004

For the first time, the communities of Kamwatta, Santa Rosa and Asakata in Region One will be receiving electricity. Earlier this week, each received a diesel generating set from proprietor of Variety Woods and Greenheart Limited Mr. Monty Niathally.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues was on hand to cut the ribbons to commission two generating sets at Kamwatta and Santa Rosa. The generating set for Asakata was handed over earlier this year.
The idea to donate the sets was formed about two years ago, when Mr. Niathally made a request through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
The donation of the generating sets is part of the company's commitment to the Community Enhancement Programme in the hinterland Regions. The company has donated furniture for the church at Kamwatta.
The company also facilitate a regular medical outreach programme to various communities where a medical doctor conducts clinic, free of cost, in communities.
Approximately $2 M was spent on the acquisition and installation of the generating sets, poles and wiring. The sets were purchased from the United Kingdom. Fuel for the sets will be donated by the regional administration.
All three communities are located along the Moruka River. Santa Rosa and Kamwatta are about six miles apart, while Asakata is about 20 miles away from Kamwatta on the right bank of the Moruka River.
Santa Rosa's population is about 10,000 while approximately 600 people live at Kamwatta. Asakata is the smallest of the three communities, with about 260 residents.
Minister Rodrigues noted that the installation of the generating sets is a prime example of Government, private sector and community collaboration. She noted that Government alone cannot do everything. Participation and assistance from communities, with financial support from the private sector was essential.
She encouraged the communities, especially students, to make full use of the opportunities available from the electricity supply.
The Minister urged students to appreciate what education could do for them and emphasised Government's support through the granting of scholarships to hinterland students. There are 60 hinterland students currently studying at the University of Guyana and a total of 225 students on the hinterland scholarship programme.
Accompanying the Minister were Regional Executive Officer Ishwar Das, owner Mr. Niathally and Principal Regional Executive Officer Lloyd Andrews.
Mr. Niathally noted that a link was established with the villages because the majority of people who work for his company are from those villages. As a result, he wanted to do something to improve the social enhancement of the communities.
He noted that sometimes people are misguided into believing that education is only for the major towns and city, but his company places high emphasis on education for all. He urged the youths to grasp the opportunity provided for them.
At Kamwata, the generating set will power the health centre, the church and the primary school, while at Rants Rosa the schools will receive electricity.
Mr. Niathally encouraged students to use the electricity for additional classes in the evenings, church ceremonies and social events.
Management committees have been established to operate and oversee the smooth functioning of the generating sets in the communities. The Regional Office will provide free maintenance.
Residents of the communities worked on the installation of the infrastructures for the sets.
The Ministry had previously worked with the communities during the acoushi ants infestation, construction of the Santa Rosa Secondary School and purchasing boats and engines to transport school children.
Variety Woods and Greenheart Limited has its base at Bamboo Landing in the Berbice River.
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Georgetown, GINA, February 07, 2004

Following a request by the Kumaka District Hospital for an engine to power its boat, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues, on Thursday last handed over a 75-horsepower engine to the Region One institution.
The engine, which cost almost $1 M, was purchased by the United Nations Children' Fund (UNICEF).
The Medex who is stationed at the hospital, was presented with the engine. Six lifejackets were also handed over to the Health Centre.
The engine will help to facilitate medical outreach programmes in the Mabaruma and neighbouring areas.
In 2001, the hospital had requested the engine to conduct mobile outreach programmes around the community. The main means of transportation in Region One is by boat.
The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had made a commitment to provide the engine.
Minister Rodrigues urged employees of the health centre to use the engine for the right purposes and ensure its proper care.
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