President Jagdeo promises more financial assistance for CDCs
- as CDCs celebrate 10th anniversary
Georgetown, GINA, May 24, 2009
President Bharrat Jagdeo has promised that more money will be allocated to the Community Development Councils (CDCs), once it has been proved that they are capable, have the capacity and are accountable.
This was announced by the National Director of CDCs, Philomena Sahoye-Shury during closing remarks at the annual conference of the CDCs held at the Guyana International Conference Centre under the theme “Uniting Communities across Guyana”.
HPS Dr. Roger Luncheon addressing delegates at the annual Conference of CDCs.
The idea of establishing CDCs was developed by the late President Cheddi Jagan in the 1980s when he traversed the country, encouraging persons to form these councils. At that time, Guyana was at the crossroads socially and financially. Nineteen years later, Shury was appointed as National Director and tasked with going out to communities and forming CDCs.
There are 400 CDCs countrywide that aim primarily to have a clean environment, live a healthy lifestyle, and emphasize education and to aid in poverty eradicating. The councils have been actively working with Parent Teachers’ Associations (PTAs), women’s and farmers groups, and also with drainage and irrigation projects.
Remarks being made by National Director of CDCs, Philomena Sahoye-Shury at the conference.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said that there were some government projects which could be aided by the involvement of CDCs and that President Bharrat Jagdeo was very instrumental in planning the conference. He noted that the CDCs will allow for mobilization of people at the grass roots since projects could be implemented.
However, their input would be necessary and it would have to be lasting and in this vein he encouraged that CDCs work on a review rather than patting themselves on the back.
In assuring government’s support for these councils, Dr. Luncheon stated that government is “not going to change” a winning horse if it works since it brought empowerment to the people in these communities as well. Government has also provided management, human resources and finances for these councils.
Commenting on the world economic crisis, the HPS said that CDCs could aid in planning the way for the future.
National Director of CDCs, Philomena Sahoye-Shury along with other officials and CDCs members at the conference.
He stated that through CDCs, division in societies could be transcended. For example, they could bring together religious forces since community development is not a political, ethnic or religious concept.
In addition, the CDCs were formed by government to provide job creation since it was found that there were large numbers of unemployed youths living in communities. The HPS urged that community councils look into this issue since “job creation is a must”.
Another aspect that he encouraged communities to look at included economic ventures. President Bharrat Jagdeo had said recently that village economies need to be rejuvenated. An economic venture that the HPS said should be explored is the burning of bricks for roads because there is a demand.
Dr. Luncheon said that emphasis by the CDCs needed to be on community rehabilitation and the discussions today needed to concentrate on that. Some $1B has been allocated by government at the community level for drainage and irrigation.
CDC members
According to the HPS, the concept of community activation must be explored. For example, in Canal No. One Polder where he visited recently, residents claimed that their inputs were not utilized in the design of certain projects.
Dr. Luncheon asked that collective security be placed on the front burner. Some 600 Community Policing Groups (CPGs) exist countrywide and the HPS said that the CDCs could be used as a vehicle to held in that regard.
It is the view of Dr. Luncheon that through CDCs, more community dialogue could be forged with a melting pot being formed.
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New rehabilitation centre opens at Golden Grove --to better lives of differently abled persons
Georgetown, GINA, May 24, 2009
The 18th Anniversary of the East Coast arm of the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme (CBR) was commemorated today with the opening of a new facility at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.
The $10.5M structure which was partly funded by the European Union (EU) was one of the 32 micro-projects that falls under the community development category that was subsidized by the EU. A total of $3.5M was given by the Office of the President to cover the cost of labour.
Dr. Jennifer Westford addresses the gathering at the opening ceremony of the Community Based Rehabilitation Centre (CBR) at Golden Grove.
The CBR programme which initially started in 1986, has over the years strived to change the status of disabled people to differently able. This was proven as such with Avanna Williams, Olympic Gold Medalist and Sports Woman of the Year and Ryan Henry, currently on a scholarship in Cuba, both of whom benefited from the CBR programme.
Ms. Geraldine Maison Halls, National Adviser of the CBR credits the programme’s success to the volunteers, the Government of Guyana and the private sector.
Guest speaker, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Minister of Public Service, lauded the volunteers for their exceptional service and encouraged a wider participation of the communities.
A section of the gathering at the CBR.
Minister Westford said that “once we create an enabling environment we will get the performance we are looking for.” She noted that the way people with disabilities are treated that is how they will behave. She urged that they be treated with equality, so as to make them aware of the contributions that they can and are making towards their families and society.
Differently able persons from the centre at the opening ceremony.
Minister Westford encouraged the CBR to continue their advocacy to better the lives of persons who are differently able. She also made a generous promise to provide grill work for all the windows and doors of the centre and to donate eight bales of cloth for sewing and other crafts.
The centre will serve residents from Industry, ECD to Mahaica and will offer services such as vocational training.
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