Minister Sukhai tells Barticians about success story of Amerindians

THERE are at present three medical doctors and seven engineers from Region Seven, Cuyuni/Mazaruni, who had been trained under the Government’s Cuban scholarship programme, and it is hoped that the region will soon have its first ever female pilot.
The cadre of trained professionals returning from Cuba includes veterinary doctors, engineers, agricultural scientists, meteorologists and agronomists.

Within this group are six from the hinterland, who have returned as medical doctors and are serving their communities.
Guyana’s policy of equity towards Amerindians was echoed by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai who spoke to a large crowd Saturday during the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) elections campaign rally in Bartica.
Minister Sukhai challenged anyone to doubt the assertion that the majority of teachers who are at present offering quality education to hinterland children are teachers from the hinterland and not from elsewhere.
“Who can put their finger up and say more than 80 percent of the schools are not managed by Amerindian headmasters and headmistresses? That is achievement, that is what we call keeping the promise,” Minister Sukhai said.
Access to primary education for hinterland students is today 100 percent, and achieving the target at the secondary level is within reach with the construction of new secondary schools at Santa Rosa, Waramadong, Three Mile, Aishalton, Kwakwani and Sand Creek.
Minister Sukhai described the investment in education for hinterland students as tangible, and not mere handouts, and one which has been complemented by a Hinterland Scholarship Programme (HSP) that affords Amerindian students access to technical and tertiary education at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and the Carnegie School of Home Economics.
Minister Sukhai told the gathering at Bartica that Guyana is a model country for the promotion of indigenous people’s rights, leading several other countries.
“Guyana stands as a case study to many countries with indigenous populations,” Minister Sukhai said, making reference to land titling of Amerindian communities, and the provision of quality education and health services.
“The government has invested in training health-care providers, and who are these health care providers? They are all hinterland residents… Amerindians,” Minister Sukhai said.
It was announced recently that the Ministry of Housing intends to take its housing drive to the hinterland, making house lots available to residents there, as it is doing for residents on the coastland. (GINA)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.