PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday announced an increase in presidential grants for Amerindian villages from $320M to $500 M for the period 2010 and 2011, an increase of more than 56percent.
The allowance paid to toshaos to cover their expenses has also been increased.
The president made this announcement in his address to over 170 leaders of Amerindian communities across the country on the final day of the 5th National Toshaos Council Meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal.
President Jagdeo committed, on behalf of the Government, to continue dialogue in the future with the leaders as government continues its development agenda for indigenous communities.
“We take great pleasure in the success of your communities and people, the PPP/Civic Government takes pleasure in your development,” he said.
He advised the toshaos that with their presidential grants they can commence some of the projects outlined in their Community Development Plans (CDP) as these would have already been agreed to by the various villages and execution can commence immediately.
The presidential grant was established in 2007 and a sum of $150M was allocated towards meeting the social and economic needs of 140 communities.
The venture continued in 2008, but the following year an additional 20 communities became eligible for the grants, resulting in $160M being allocated. (GINA)
Saved in graphics as ‘cheering’
Caption:  Toshaos cheering as President Bharrat Jagdeo announced the increase in presidential grants for 2010- 2011