October 14, 2024
The Ituni community in Region Ten has received a major boost to its transportation infrastructure with the donation of a 30-seater Toyota RUSO bus, valued at $17.2 million.
This donation fulfills a promise made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during his earlier visit to Linden.
The bus, requested by the villagers during the President’s visit, was handed over by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, which has a mandate to support rural, Amerindian, and riverine communities.
Ryan Toolsiram, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the government’s commitment to providing support for schoolchildren, women, and youth in these communities.
Keisha Griffith-McCain, District Development Officer for Region 10, expressed relief on behalf of parents in Ituni.
Previously, students had to travel to Linden for secondary school, a costly and burdensome process. With the new bus, this financial strain will be greatly reduced.
The Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John, also thanked the Ministry for its quick response and outlined that the Region would handle the maintenance of the bus, including providing a driver and fuel.
The bus will be added to the Region’s fleet, ensuring that the transportation needs of the community are met for years to come.