Moruga residents claim neglect by De Coteau, Nela Khan
By Stacy Moore Sunday, June 9 2013
RESIDENTS of Morgua and environs are up in arms against two parliamentary representatives and councillors, claiming that their communities have been neglected.
Holding placards, the residents marched on the compound of the newly-formed organisation — Nayek Foundation — and chanted slogans against Moruga/Tableland MP Clifton De Coteau and parliamentary representative for Princes Town, Neela Khan.
The Moruga residents claimed that they have been neglected also by councillors Alvin Lutchman and Jules Downing, citing as their main concern, the lack of care for underprivileged persons in the area.
The Nayek Foundation was formed in 2010 by a group of Moruga residents, with the aim of rendering assistance to the underprivileged and less fortune in the district.
But president of Nayek, Andy Singh, said, “There are a lot of poor people in this area and on one seems to care about these people. Some of them are single mothers with five and eight children. Others are living in houses that are falling apart, and on the verge of collapsing. There are many disabled persons. Theses villagers don’t get any help from these members of parliament or councillors,” Singh said.
Singh said he knew of families who for days, go with out food in places like Indian Walk, Hindustand and certain villages in St Julien and Lengua.
“Is this the kind of representation we have in this country? I know of families that some days don’t have food to eat. And they can’t get a food card. This is not right. What have we reached to?” Singh questioned.
Singh said villagers who go to the offices of the representatives, are sometimes turned away. “It’s either you can’t see them or they are not in office. Even worse yet, they can’t be reached on their cellphones. The people in Moruga are suffering daily. They have no one to help them. And we are fed up. We had enough, that is why we decided to speak out and give a voice to the voiceless,” Singh said.
Singh said the only time he has seen De Coteau and Khan, was during the last general elections.
“We put them there, yes we admit it. But we would not be voting them back. They have done nothing for this area and have been receiving big salaries,” Singh said.
Other protestors and members of the Nayek Foundation, also voiced concerns about unemployment in the communities.
Downing, who is councillor for Hindustand/Indian Walk/St Mary’s, refuted allegations that the communities were being neglected. He said, “The MPs and the councillors have been trying their best to meet the needs of the residents, but it’s only so much we can do.”
The following is a response from Councillor Alvin Lutchman:
I am responding to an article written by Stacy Moore that the Indian Walk Area has been neglected by MP Clifton De Coteau, MP Nela Khan, Councillor Jules Downing and myself. The following are a list of accomplishments we did as a team in this catchment area:
Drainage and Irrigation in the following Areas:
Three projects at Perry Young Road Indian Walk
Third Company Road
Ramdhanie Road
Contention Road
Tara’s Residence
Church Road
Fairfield off Perry Young
Road Paving:
Loney Road
Street Lighting:
Ramdhanie Road
Perry Young Road
Loney Road
Third Company Road
Upgrade of Cemeteries:
Indian Walk Public Cemetery
Bridges:
Sixth Company Circular Bridge
Lengua Road Bridge
Landslip Repairs:
Indian Walk Main Road
Contention Road
Forte George
Water Projects:
Beach Trace Indian Walk
Other Community Services:
MP Khan donated to the NAYAK foundation
MP De Coteau and myself donated towards a finalist in Digicel Rising Star and children of Mastana
There is the Councillor Alvin Lutchman award for most outstanding SEA student in the Indian Walk Area.
Hamper Distribution together with MP Khan and MP De Coteau
Assisted The Perry Young Road Mosque to build a carpark
Divali and Christmas treats held for the first time in the area
MP De Coteau ensured the Third Company Baptist Church received funding from the NSHCL to build their church
Social Services Including Purchase Orders and Ancillary Facilities:
Gemma Buntin
Denise Ramsumair
Roxanne Rowley
Solomon Ramsaroop
Fitzroy Marshall
Sonny Khotai
Ramesh Khotai
Suresh Khotai
Glenda Mollineau
Juliet Fermin
Errol Phillip
Ujustir Sonnylal
Arnold Marshall
Tara Rooplalsingh
Meena Gopaul
Kamla Ramharack
Rampersad Kissoon
Praimlal Khadil
Mary Bissoon
Arnold Marshall
Cidney Nelson
Wendy Mitchell
Asha Rooplalsingh
Oscar Rooplalsingh
Heyatan Ali
Pinky Boodoosingh
Regards,
Alvin Lutchman
See Photos of Projects in Princes Town, Moruga & Tableland area