(Kaieteur News) – Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, accompanied by Members of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Deon Lacruz, conducted an unscheduled walk-through of the Moruca Amerindian Hostel, highlighting what the delegation said was the deplorable living conditions for hinterland residents.
Video footage published on Team Mohamed’s official social media platforms showed the delegation touring the facility, where they pointed to non-functioning utilities, inadequate lighting, unsanitary sewage facilities, broken amenities and poor conditions in the sleeping quarters.
Conditions in the Moruca Hostel
During the inspection, Mohamed described the state of the facility as a “national atrocity” and questioned the level of attention being given to the hostel.
“We are presently at the Moruca Amerindian Hostel. It’s quite important to see the condition our Indigenous brothers and sisters have to endure when they come to this hostel,” Mohamed said.
He also criticised Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne-Shadeek, who is from Moruca, over the condition of the facility.
“And what is more surprising is that the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne, is from Moruca. While she’s living in her mansions… this is the condition of the hostel,” he said.
Conditions in the Moruca Hostel
Kaieteur News understands, however, that responsibility for the upkeep of the facility falls under the Regional Democratic Council, which comes under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, headed by Minister Priya Manickchand.
The delegation found that of two black water tanks at the hostel, only one was operational. The building was also without electricity, while sleeping quarters were reportedly unclean, with cobwebs and broken mattresses. A strong odour was also reported from the sewage system.
Sarabo-Halley said the facility is also used to accommodate schoolchildren when regional dormitories are full.
“Look at this condition. This is ridiculous. I’m appalled,” she said. “There’s a stench here. Nobody should have to live here.”
The MP questioned why residents should have to endure such conditions, while calling on the authorities to address the situation.
The delegation also raised concerns about the treatment of workers at the facility.
During the visit, Mohamed spoke with a private security guard who claimed that he had not been paid for more than two months.
The guard reportedly works eight-hour shifts without days off and earns approximately $3,000 per day.
“When our people in the diaspora boast about President Ali’s leadership and the world’s fastest-growing economy, this is the reality where we have our Indigenous brothers providing security for government buildings, working for $400 US dollars a month every single day,” Mohamed said.
The visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the condition and capacity of Guyana’s Amerindian hostel facilities. The government has announced plans for a new $500 million Amerindian Hostel, with construction expected to commence shortly.
Mohamed said his team will provide immediate assistance to the facility, including new beds and mattresses.
Meanwhile, Sarabo-Halley and Lacruz called for funding to be allocated for a complete overhaul of the Moruca facility in the upcoming fiscal year. They also called on Minister Browne to visit the hostel and see the conditions for herself.
The opposition delegation also questioned whether senior government officials and representatives from the region are adequately addressing the concerns affecting residents in Moruca.
Source: Kaieteur News
