Pandemic and polls Small obstacles To Toshao Clenkian

TOSHAO OF ST CUTHBERT’S MISSION BEVERLEY CLENKIAN SAYS THE
ONGOING DEADLY GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND LINGERING CONSEQUENCES
FROM PROTRACTED DELAYS IN DECLARING RESULTS OF THE
CONTROVERSIAL 2020 POLLS help ambush her development plans for the predominantly-
Amerindian community.
But these are minor headaches according to Toshao Clenkian who is widely tipped to win re-
election in next month’s polls for village leaders and Councillors. She told
www.aroundtheregions.com her second term will ensure the completion of affected projects,
assuring she will surpass residents’ expectations despite numerous challenges thrown up during
her first term.
The educator-turned-politician created history three years ago when, as the sole female
candidate, she trounced the field when the 1500-resident community voted solidly for her as their
Toshao.
“When I ran three years ago, I made a commitment to the residents to serve at the best of my
ability, I made a commitment to ensure that there is transparency, accountability and increased
opportunities. While I wasn’t able to achieve all my plans, the residents have seen that in those
areas, my commitment to them was delivered and I am happy. It is because I recognised that I
delivered on my promises that caused me accepting residents’ insistence to run again,” Toshao
Clenkian said.
There was widespread skepticism about a female leading the Demerara/Mahaica (Region Four)
community nestled in the Mahaica River, and 57 miles from the capital city, Georgetown.

Doubts persisted and deepened despite an overwhelming majority of residents cast their ballots
for her. Nevertheless, brushing aside the sceptics and mudslinging campaigns, she helped nudge
the community founded in the 1800s under the name Pakuri towards modernity with enhanced
internet access and a more reliable electricity supply.
“Some of my critics sought to label me…to break my spirit and will power in getting things
done. I guess they wanted me to quit, but I was determined that I started and will go all the way.
There were several rumours and lies posted via Facebook to create a negative image of me. I was
angry and disappointed (at times, but) I reminded myself…there are others who believed in me
and was depending upon me to lift this community to another level. That is why I continued to
do this so that the residents of this community are proud to have seen the developments over the
past three years,” Toshao Clenkian said, beaming her trademark infectious smile.
Among her key achievements were acquiring gears for the sport-loving community; securing
supplies for schools; scholarships for students, and training and job opportunities for several
residents.
As a trained educator, Clenkian believes the future of the community depends on the knowledge
and skillsets of residents, especially the youth sector.
“I was happy that several students were able to secure scholarships, the road started and because
of so many challenges especially because of the prolong election results and COVID it has been
delayed but I can assure the residents that it will be competed soon. Additionally, work has
commenced on the tourism related projects and soon the residents will be able to benefit
significantly, which will further boost the economic returns of the community,” she said.
On the infrastructural front, she is anxious for completion of the main thoroughfare to help boost
the community’s tourism potential. This is a key project Toshao Clenkian wants finished early in
her second term.
“Under my tenure as Toshao, there have been significant achievements made as my primary goal
and objective have always been towards improving this community so that the residents can be
proud of it. What I have been able to achieve in three years despite the effects of COVID and the

long wait that many residents were forced to endure because of the election fiasco is unmatched
and this demonstrates my commitment and passion are evident,” she said.
“More could have been done but because of COVID and election it played a major role and
I remain confident if given a second term I intend to aggressively pursue agriculture as
there are numerous opportunities in this sector and I am determined for the residents here
to benefit,” Toshao Clenkian added.