Dear Editor,
I am deeply disappointed by the statement made by Shadow Minister of Human Services and Social Security Natasha Singh regarding my community, St Cuthbert’s Mission.
Please do not come into our community on a single visit and attempt to play politics with our young people. It is unfair to draw sweeping conclusions based on one visit while ignoring the work that has already been done.
The public deserves a complete and accurate account of the progress that has taken place.
Our community has also seen significant development. We recently welcomed a brand-new paved road leading to our village landing, fulfilling a commitment made by the Government.
Residents have benefited from GOAL scholarships, allowing many to pursue studies at CPCE and the University of Guyana. Our primary school is currently under construction. Our playfield has been renovated, providing a safe and improved space where our young athletes play cricket and other sports, with matches taking place regularly on weekends.
New water pipelines have been installed in various sections of the village, and new electricity poles have been erected through efforts led by Deputy Toshao Leroy Gonputh.
Our Village Council continues to work for the benefit of our people. Councillor Luke Simon and Councillor Orinn Dundas are actively involved with community farming, drainage and irrigation and poultry projects through the CSOs. Toshao Simon continues to represent the interests of our village, alongside Councillors Christella, Denise, Miranda, Stallone, Beverley, Debbie Rickford, Neil, Emmanuel and others who dedicate their time and effort to serving this community. These are facts, not opinions.
As for Azruddin Mohamed, who is under federal indictment, I respectfully remind you that if you intend to visit St Cuthbert’s Mission for political purposes, write to the village council first. It was disrespectful that the council was not informed of your visit. I only learned about it through social media. Every Government agency and private organisation follows this process. That process exists for a reason and should be respected by everyone.
Mental health is not a political slogan for me. In the past year, my family has lost three loved ones to suicide, including my cousin, Christiano Simon. Like many families in our village, we live with that pain every day.
That is why I know the claim that nothing has been done is simply false.
Mental health services have already been introduced, including monthly visits by a therapist. Just last week, Dr Timothy Morgan, Dr Mark Constantine, and a Ministry of Health team visited St Cuthbert’s Mission to engage residents and committed to returning with a programme to train teachers, nurses, Village Council members, and other community leaders.
There is still much more to do, and I will continue advocating for expanded services. But do not erase the work that has already been done for the sake of political headlines.
Our community deserves better than that.