Housing, land disputes, drainage, employment and public assistance were among the key concerns raised by residents during a government outreach led by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday in Region Two.
Hundreds of residents from across the Essequibo Coast attended the engagement at the Essequibo Technical Institute, where they met directly with government ministers, regional officials and representatives of several agencies to raise community and personal issues.
Residents also cited problems related to roads, electricity, water supply, drainage and irrigation, healthcare access and job opportunities. Dr Jagdeo listened attentively to the complaints and resolved several on the spot, while others were referred for follow-up action by relevant agencies.
“We are very thankful for such outreach. I had a land issue and it was solved on the spot,” resident Anessa Mangal said.
The Vice President told the gathering that the government is moving aggressively with the housing programme for Region Two, saying all pending housing applications up to October 2025 will be cleared by 2027. Nearly 4,000 house lots are currently being developed in the region, with allocations already underway for applicants registered before 2024.
Jagdeo said the government would continue nationwide outreach programmes to ensure issues are addressed more efficiently and in a timely manner.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud distributed wheelchairs during the outreach, while Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Ashni Singh addressed concerns related to the National Insurance Scheme. Education Minister Priya Manickchand also engaged residents on community matters.
Officials from the housing, agriculture, public works, human services, health and local government sectors were also present to assist residents.
A section of the gathering at the ETI
