Every community to be equipped with streetlights by 2024 —President Ali says

PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a transformational plan that will see streetlights being installed in every community across the country in 2024.

During an outreach in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday, President Ali noted that in every region, street lights have been raised as an issue for many persons.

And since the government is aiming to develop communities, an integrated plan has been devised to begin the installation of street lights for each community street, after

Guyana’s new power plant is completed and operationalised.

“We have promised that the cost of energy will come down by 50 per cent, and by the time we get there, starting from next year, we will roll out a national plan in which every single street and almost every single post across our country will carry a streetlight, which will improve security and enhance the conditions of [the community],” Dr Ali said.

The President indicated that the move to provide streetlights is part of a long list of projects on which the administration has embarked, to improve the country at the community level.

This includes housing construction; the renovation of several public buildings and hospitals; the expansion of several main roads into highways; the construction of bridges and drains, and a national road-enhancement project, which saw more than 1,100 community roads identified and awarded for construction in 2022.

A strong commitment to improve infrastructure, ensuring enhanced quality of life for citizens, and improving safety and security have been consistently demonstrated by the government since assuming office in August 2020.

Already, the fruits of its investment have been witnessed both globally and internationally, as Guyana has skyrocketed to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The administration continues to make prudent investments in areas of necessity, to improve the atmosphere of the country, and make it one that is competitive in the world.

Chinese medical brigade provides free aid to Leonora residents

APPROXIMATELY 100 residents of Leonora, Region Three, experienced the benefits of a recent medical outreach programme organised by the 18th Chinese Medical Brigade.

Held in collaboration with the West Demerara Lions’ Club, the outreach took place at the Leonora Unity Baptist Church, providing free medical assistance to those in need.

Led by a team of 14 Chinese doctors, the medical brigade offered specialised care in various fields, including General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Pathology, Radiology, Traditional Chi- nese Medicine (Acupuncture), Burns and Plastic, Orthopedics, and Nephrology, among others.

In addition to medical consultations, the residents were offered blood sugar and hypertension tests. The brigade also distributed informative health leaflets focusing on diabetes, hypertension, and diabetic retinopathy prevention to all participants.

From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Chinese Medical Brigade successfully treated nearly 100 patients, receiving warm appreciation and praise from the locals for their dedicated service.

Dr. Chu Xuehui, captain of the medical team, stated,

"Over the past 30 years, the Chinese Medical Brigade has brought together the efforts and expertise of more than 160 Chinese medical experts. The 18th Medical Brigade has conducted outreach programmes in various regions, including Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine, and 10. In the upcoming months, we plan to extend our free health services to remote areas during weekends and holidays."

To commemorate their 30 years of service to Guyana, the medical team also organised a photo exhibition at the clinic site, showcasing their contributions and commitment to the community.