Mahdia letter: ‘we must consider the economic factors at play’

This letter is a response to an article written by Vishani Ragobeer and published in The Guyana Chronicle on 4 June 2023. To hear this letter read in Patamuna, please scroll down.

Dear Ms Ragobeer,

In response to your letter dated June 2023 regarding the tragic Mahdia incident, where 19 lives were lost, I would like to express my concerns and offer some recommendations for the authorities involved in the planning and implementation process of addressing this heartbreaking issue.

Firstly, I would like to address your statement regarding the provision of support not only in the present but also in the long term. As an indigenous woman from Region #8, I possess a deep understanding of the region, its landscapes and its geographical challenges. Most of the affected families come from areas that can only be accessed by air transportation, which is both logistically and financially demanding. Therefore, I would like to inquire about the feasibility of sustaining this support in the long term, particularly for communities where the families of the victims reside. Given the region’s geographical constraints, constant access to these areas becomes difficult and expensive. Will it be practical to travel frequently to provide support to communities such as Karisparu, accessible only by helicopter, or Chenapou and Micobie, reachable by aircraft?

Moreover, we must consider the economic factors at play, as many individuals in these communities are unemployed due to limited job opportunities and lack of resources. This further complicates their ability to meet their basic needs, while the families of the deceased victims are grappling with finding means to provide for themselves. This additional burden exacerbates the challenges they are already facing.

You mentioned that His Excellency Honorable Irfaan Ali suggested the establishment of schools in these areas to cater to students in their own hometowns. While this may sound appealing to the public, it may not be feasible as building schools for a small number of students may not be cost-effective. Instead, such resources could be utilized to address other crucial aspects of our country’s development, such as improving internet and mobile connectivity, enhancing infrastructure, addressing electricity and water supply issues, and strengthening healthcare and education systems, especially in the hinterland regions.

Considering the prevailing political instability in the country, I sincerely hope that the current administration will fulfil its promise to provide ongoing assistance without bias. It is my wish that even in the event of a change in government and administration, support for the bereaved families will continue uninterrupted.

In conclusion, as Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, we often find ourselves marginalized and underrepresented. Therefore, I urge the government to consider it their utmost obligation to provide support in all forms without any form of discrimination or favoritism. I hope that my concerns and suggestions will be taken into consideration and incorporated into future planning as we collectively offer support and assistance to the families of the deceased and the survivors. All for your information.

Respectively yours,

Vickiola Aaron
Paramakatoi Village
North Pakaraimas
Region #8

Listen to this letter read in Patamuna