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Residents of Roseau, Lauders Community, are pleased with the completion of a 650 feet long village road, noting that it has significantly enhanced access to and from the community.  

Villagers, Principals, Staff and Students of the surrounding schools joined area representative, Hon. Saboto Caesar and other Cabinet members outside Vincyfresh’s headquarters for the official opening ceremony on Monday, 4th June, 2018.

The completion of the road was made possible by the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD), Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNFT), and the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  To this end, master of ceremonies and Project Manager of the BNTF, Mr. Dunstan Johnson, noted that the BNTF’s projects continue to impact the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.

Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, explained that the road was needed for years and plans for its construction commenced under the leadership of former Area Representative, Hon. Selmon Walters.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, Abacus Inc. was responsible for the design of the road and Cyril Jack of Jack’s Construction Services, for its construction. He noted that the 650 feet long by 14 feet wide Roseau, Lauders village road provides access to around 50 farmers and members of 10 households.

Area Representative and Minister of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Hon. Saboto Caesar, stated that the completion of the road is indeed a great day and one that has brought great joy to him.  Minister Caesar expressed his happiness to complete a project for which the former Area Representative Selmon Walters had laid the ground work.

The Minister of Agriculture explained that the road started with a policy to make farms more accessible to farmers but highlighted that it would not only benefit farmers but residents as well. The Minister, who also has responsibility for Rural Transformation, spoke of the challenges farmers and residents faced prior to the completion of the road where their mobility was disrupted, especially, when it rained.  He told the residents using that road, “all those days are gone”. The cost of the road, according to Minister Caesar, amounted to EC $643 000.  

Miss Mary Matthews, a resident living alongside the newly built road, stated that she has been living in that community since the 1990s. Thus, she had long anticipated the completion of the road. Matthews expressed happiness that the road has been completed.  She thanked Minister Caesar, the BNTF and Prime Minister Gonsalves for making the road a reality.

SOURCE: API