Less bureaucracy needed to address residents’ concerns – Pres. Ali

—residents praise presidential outreach—

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali says there is need for less bureaucracy in state agencies if they are to effectively address residents’ concerns.  The President made these statements at the end of an outreach with East Berbice residents in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Vryman’s Erven.

President Ali said the meeting was a demonstration of the Government’s capacity to deal with resident’s challenges expeditiously.

“What we have to do is have more coordination and break down the barriers of Government and that is what we want to achieve through these outreaches. In many instances, if there is a less bureaucratic mode of communication from the region to agencies like the NDIA, Lands and Surveys, NIS, Central Housing and Planning Authority then many of these issues can be resolved,” President Ali stated.

The President said he recognises there is a communication breakdown and need for greater public awareness of what is taking place in State agencies. He noted that the outreach will be held countrywide as a trademark of the Government.

“We hope by doing this too we reduce the cost of doing business of the ordinary people on the ground. There will be greater connection between the people and the Government, greater connection between the agencies and the people and there will be a better understanding of the concerns the people are facing on the ground,” President Ali underscored.

Several agencies attended the meeting, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority, the National Insurance Scheme, and the Guyana Power and Light.

Residents lauded the initiative. Ms. Mandy Vandoot told DPI she applied for a house lot since 2013 and had since been given a runaround. Today, after meeting President Ali, she was given an offer which she took immediately.

“The President gave me an offer; he said either I choose the land or they build a house and they give me the land and the house, and I choose the house and land, which will be easier,” Ms. Vandoot relayed.

Ms. Vandoot praised the proactive approach the President has taken, noting it is what residents need to have their issues addressed.

“I think it is something good that he is doing to meet with the public and know what is the need of the public as a President,” Ms. Vandoot said.

Mr. Sase Narine, after meeting President Ali, was able to secure pension from the National Insurance Scheme for his brother. He said he had been trying to resolve the issue for years.

“I am satisfied with what the President said. My brother has $769,000 contribution so the President asked the NIS manager how much contribution you need to qualify. She said, ‘$750 000’.  He asked, ‘Is the man qualified?’ She said, ‘Yes’. So, he asked, ‘Why are you preventing him from getting his money?’ This is an excellent job, more than excellent. We deserve this more often because a lot of people were suffering all the time,” Mr. Narine said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Hugh Todd; Region Six Regional Democratic Council Chairman, Mr. David Armogan; Guyana Water Incorporated, CEO Mr. Shaik Baksh; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Mr. Andre Ally and Central Housing and Planning Authority CEO, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves also attended the outreach.