Yesterday, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, Chairman of the Institute of Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), accompanied by Vice Chairman and former Mayor, Pt. Ubraj Narine, visited the distressed residents of Hydronie, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. For the past three years, these residents have been enduring unbearable dust pollution caused by the reckless stockpiling of construction materials such as sand, loam, and stone in their community, according to IFAAD’s statement to the media.
Despite repeated complaints lodged with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and even direct correspondence with the Office of the President, no action has been taken to address the residents’ worsening situation.
The community’s frustration is palpable. Residents have expressed deep concern over the persistent inaction by authorities, questioning the level of accountability being upheld in the face of their grievances. The lack of response has left many feeling abandoned by the very institutions entrusted to protect their welfare.
Adding fuel to the fire, it is alleged that the business operator responsible for the stockpiling has close ties to a sitting Minister and the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government. This raises serious questions about preferential treatment, political influence, and the apparent lack of enforcement of critical environmental regulations meant to safeguard public health.
Chairman Lewis and Vice Chairman Narine, who met with residents during their visit, vowed to advocate relentlessly for the community’s rights. The IFAAD leaders expressed their firm stance on holding all parties, regardless of political affiliation, accountable for the ongoing neglect. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to fighting against any form of discrimination, neglect, or injustice.
IFAAD is now urgently calling on both the EPA and the Office of the President to intervene immediately, enforce environmental regulations, and address the residents’ concerns. Official correspondence from the EPA and the Office of the President further highlights the prolonged efforts made by the community to secure relief and justice.
In a determined move, IFAAD announced that it would pursue this matter through every necessary channel to ensure that the residents of Hydronie are heard, their rights upheld, and those responsible held fully accountable for their actions.
The Institute’s resolve to challenge this injustice serves as a powerful reminder that no one, regardless of political ties, is above the law when it comes to the protection of citizens’ health and well-being.