Region Nine residents urged – “Let us continue to live in unity”

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday, called on residents of Upper
Takutu/Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), to continue to live in unity, as the country continues on
the path to prosperity.
“Let us continue to work with each other. Let us continue to live in unity and harmony. Let us
see each other a brothers and sisters and let us support each other to achieve a One
Guyana,” Bharrat urged. He was at the time giving an address on the eve of Guyana’s Republic
anniversary. The Minister committed to ensuring that all money invested in the oil sector
benefits all Guyanese regardless of their geographic location. Bharrat recalled the whopping
$4.1B budget that was allocated this year for Region Nine.
He disclosed that $2B will be used to enhance the delivery of education in the region. He said
that students of Sand Creek Secondary will soon benefit from the construction of a female
dormitory, while an extension of the Aishalton Secondary School dormitory will be undertaken.
Minister Bharrat disclosed that money has also been earmarked for the establishment of a Cyril
Potter College of Education (CPCE) branch at Lethem for trainee teachers. This provision, he
said aims to provide living accommodation for those who wish to further their studies at the
institution.
He noted that further, rehabilitation works will be done on the Annai Secondary School, while
construction of sanitary blocks will be done at Shea, Karaudarnau and Achiwib nursery schools,
and at the Aishalton Primary School. He said that construction and rehabilitation will also be
undertaken at the Karabairu Annex and Para Bara Primary School, respectively. Meanwhile,
some $1.1B has also been budgeted to improve the region’s health sector. This will see the
construction of an Infectious Disease Centre at Lethem, rehabilitation of the Annai Hospital and
maternal ward at Aishalton Hospital.
“We will continue to work with the region to deliver world-class healthcare. Region Nine is
important to Guyana and our budgetary allocation of $4.1 billion – the largest this region has
seen – is a demonstration of our commitment to developing our hinterland regions,” Bharrat
declared. Notably, he said that the Lethem Hospital will also establish audio, speech and
language rooms. Services there will be further boosted through the procurement of an
ambulance, pediatric ventilator for the neo-natal ward, and anaesthetic machines, among others.
Several health posts have also been identified to be converted into health centres.
Meanwhile, the minister revealed that $490M was budgeted for infrastructural works in Region
Nine. These works will complement the projects that will be executed by the Public Works and
Natural Resources Ministries. He pointed out that works on the road from Karaudarnau to
Achiwib will be raised, graded and compacted while sections of roads in Central Lethem will be
done with asphaltic concrete.
Meanwhile, $120M was allocated for agriculture in the region. Regional Chairman, Brian
Allicock, at the flag raising event, gave his commitment to assiduously represent and support the
people of Region Nine. He thanked President Irfaan Ali and his government for the work they

have been doing to ensure that the lives of Guyanese are improved. RC Allicock encouraged the
residents to support the government in its programmes, policies and initiatives.