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Samantha Edwards-John, a local resident of Region 8 in Guyana, had been deeply concerned about the government’s lack of attention and care for the people in her community. As she walked along the creek where the children who lived in the Mahdia Secondary School dorm used to bathe, she couldn’t help but reflect on the changes that desperately need to take place in region 8.
The dorm is now a burnt and charred shell, a jarring reminder of incompetence, negligence and governmental neglect which lead to a horrific national tragedy. For students who lived in the dorm, the creek remained the only source of water for their daily bathing needs. With a heavy heart, Ms Edwards would watched as the children dipped their containers into the water and made their way to the bathing spot. It saddened her that they had no proper bathroom facilities.
Ms Edwards-John stated that, “during the previous administration under APNU, there were functioning bathrooms in the area.” Samantha remembered those days when the government seemed more attentive to the needs of the Amerindian people. Today the people of the region witness ministerial visits to the town of Mahdia, but not to their own adjacent community.
The lack of bathroom facilities for the Amerindian children felt unjust to Samantha. She couldn’t help but express her frustration. She questioned who was truly listening to their concerns and advocating for their rights. The slogan “One Guyana” echoed in her mind, but it seemed that only a certain group of Guyanese were benefiting from the government’s attention.
Samantha felt hurt and disheartened, and she wondered aloud to whom could the indigenous people turn for help. However, she expressed her gratitude to Mr. Aubrey Norton for his visit and she felt that finally, someone had shown interest in understanding their situation. Ms Edwards-John hoped that his visit would bring about positive change for the Amerindian communities in Cambeltown, Princedale, and Micobie.
The lack of visits and attention from current government officials made Samantha realize the glaring disparities in resources and support. She still can’t understand why the minister only visits Mahdia, a town nearby, while disregarding their community of Cambelltown just a step away.
With a mix of hope and uncertainty, Samantha holds onto the hope that someone will eventually listen and take action. She longs for a time when the Amerindian people in her community will receive the care and consideration they deserve. Until then, she vow to continue speaking out, hoping that her voice, along with others, will eventually bring about positive change.
