Barama helping to develop Cuyuni villages

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532454

Barama helping to develop Cuyuni villages
Stabroek News, Saturday, November 3rd 2007

Barama says it is focused on fostering a working relationship with
communities close to its Cuyuni operations and asked representatives to
propose projects for assistance.

According to a press release from the Region Seven Regional Democratic
Council (RDC) Barama representative Mitzy Campbell met with Assistant
Secretary of the CDC Lorna Alphanso from Kartabo, Batavia Toshau Orin
Williams and Secretary Murphy Gomes, CDC Chairman Augustine Labadie of
Itaballi and Assistant Regional Executive Officer Joylyn Blair on the
issue. She told the group that they can make recommendations to the
Cuyuni Joint Community Relations Committee and she handed over the
committee's Terms of Reference for their scrutiny. Campbell also
collected information about the various livelihoods in the communities
to ensure that Barama's operations could not seriously impinge on their
way of life. The data is also expected to inform the company of the
communities needs which will aid it in identifying ways to improve
facilities and services. Campbell also told the representatives that
each community can propose a project and, in response Alphanso said
Kartabo need a roadway graded for the school track from the
Cuyuni/Mazaruni point to the Kartabo School and the ball field needed
rehabilitation.

Alphanso also said Itaballi's waterways are polluted and he asked the
company to help them to access clean water.

He also asked for the playfield to be upgraded. The release said
Williams too requested clean water supply for his community and for the
health post and community centre to be maintained.

Campbell said the company will provide assistance however it expects
the communities to maintain them. In closing she said Barama is
committed to community development.