Amla Marshall, the Toshao of Kamarang/Warawatta in Upper Mazaruni is among leaders passionately speaking up about concerns and development needs for her village at this year’s National Toshao’s Council (NTC) Conference.
Marshall used the platform on Tuesday to command respect when women leaders like herself are speaking.
“I don’t want to be intimidated. I come here to be understood, to be listened to, and this is what we call development. I am a woman. Most of them here are leaders as well, women leaders, who have to be respected when we speak,” Marshall said with applause from other leaders.
Infrastructural development was listed a major concern for Kamarang.
According to the Toshao, her village along with Kako and Waramadong have plans to upgrade road networks to connect these communities.
“I have numerous requests that I am going to be giving to the ministries and I wish this project can become a reality before the year is up,” Marshall said.
Amla Marshall, the Toshao of Kamarang/Warawatta
She explained that the communities are willing to work on the project “but the technical part of upgrading the road is against us, so we need help in that.”
Another major concern is an infestation of rats in the community.
“We cannot do anything at this time. We do not know how to eradicate rats because they are not nature. We don’t know,” she said.
“I don’t know if they are seasonal, but that is the problem right now and our farms are being destroyed,” Marshall added.
Marshall commended the Office of the Prime Minister for the installation of ICT and Wi-Fi in Kamarang but also requested that similar services be established in Warawatta.
“Warawatta is an Amerindian village over on the other side of the river, and I would like you to consider that the people of Warawatta village benefit from such a facility,” Marshall said.
Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Marshall expressed hope regarding her firearm application and also called for a licensed ammunition seller in the region.
“I hope that my name is on the list because I willingly submitted my application for the firearm,” the Village leader said.
Addressing transportation issues, Marshall said it is costly to travel to Georgetown.
“This is a concern for the Upper Mazaruni district as a whole. It is a pressure for us, and the cost of living is fluctuating. Please have mercy on us, buy a new government owned aircraft for us to use,” Marshall said.
While this request saw an uproar of laughter at the conference, later that afternoon Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the government will invest in an airline service in relation to the high cost to travel into the hinterland.
Marshall also spoke about the need for transportation support for the police.
“There is a need for transportation both for land and water. They depend on the village council, but how long are they going to depend on us?” Marshall asked.
She explained that during emergencies, even in the middle of the night, the police are unable to carry out their duties without transportation.
On Wednesday, Marshall spoke about her village’s agricultural prospects, particularly honey production.
“I am not sure which village in Region 7 has been doing that project, but I am happy if my village is going to be targeted with that project because right now, honey is money,” Marshall said.
She revealed that the village will also soon have a shade house up and running.
“We received the materials, but we are still waiting for the technical person to fly into our area, so we are hoping for that project soon,” she said.
Toshao Marshall also reported that an assessment had been done for fish rearing in the village.
“We are also awaiting the return of the officers to say whether we can go ahead with the project,” she stated.
Marshall noted with disappointment that letters she submitted at last year’s NTC went unanswered. Still, she expressed gratitude for the developments in her village.
“Thank you for whatever support the government agencies have given to our village council. Please correct whatever situation is happening today,” Marshall said.
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