Budget measures will transform the hinterland

 …Min. Garrido-Lowe says VAT reduction an act of compassion

 

THE $250-billion-dollar budget for 2017, fulfillment of the coalition’s promise to reduce the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, is an act of compassion that will revolutionise the hinterland regions, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mrs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, has said.Making her contributions to the Budget debate which opened in the National Assembly on Monday, the minister also said the two per cent reduction in VAT would bring greater relief to the ordinary people of this country.

“It is of note that while many of the essential items — like onion and garlic, soap powder and laundry soap — are zero-rated, one still has to pay VAT for the transportation of these items. Hence with the VAT decreasing to 14 per cent, residents of Paramakatoi, Kato and Kamana in Region 8; Kamarang and Paruima in Region 7; Kokerite and Kariako in Region 1; and Aishalton and Achawib in Region 9; and all other Indigenous communities, will be paying less for much needed basic items, including shoes and clothing,” she pointed out.

The reduction in VAT, Minister Garrido-Lowe argued, is just one of the many measures being put in place by the APNU+AFC Administration to bring much-needed relief to the people.

She noted that the pursuit of a green economy will transform the economic landscape of the country. “Our economy is going to transition towards renewable clean and cheaper source of energy. To this effect, (the sum of) $264M is budgeted for the first-ever large-scale solar farm in the hinterland town of Mabaruma, where 3000 residents will benefit from additional 17 hours of electricity,” the minister said, as she spoke of the positives that would be experienced by the residents of Mabaruma and surrounding communities.

Additionally, Lethem, Mahdia and Bartica would respectively benefit from 800 kilowatts, 400 kilowatts and 1.5 megawatts of electricity, she said.

“Mr. Speaker, in pursuit of a green economy, renewable energy along with smart energy efficient interventions in 2017 will see an annual cost savings to the tune of $193M, and avoid carbon dioxide emissions of 1,674 tonnes per year,” she explained.

It was further pointed out that the residents of Lethem would also benefit from the refurbishing of the Moco Moco Hydropower Development Project, which will feed power into the Lethem Power Company grid, thus bringing more reliable electricity support to the growing town. Lethem has, for years, been suffering from both shortage and unreliable supply of electricity.

In the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT), the minister told the house that the establishment of the Public Telecommunication Ministry, coupled with the liberalization of the telecommunication sector, means well for the people of the hinterland. She said Government is cognizant of the need to be tech-smart in order to keep abreast with the rest of the world, and Smart Guyana will touch every major sector of our economy.

“Mr. Speaker, this is revolutionary for the hinterland… The Internet will absolutely transform the lives and livelihoods of our Indigenous and hinterland brothers and sisters,” Minister Garrido-Lowe stated as she used the opportunity to express her appreciation to Finance Minister Winston Jordan for catering to the needs of Guyanese living in the hinterland.

In her quest to give back to society, the minister disclosed her intention to offer free tutoring in graphic design and office tools to residents in some of the hinterland villages, in preparation for Government’s certification course.

“The pictures that come to mind are exciting. Just bring to mind Indigenous and hinterland young men and women in their villages’ computer hubs designing posters, banners, magazines, newspapers and typing manuscripts for businesses overseas; and with a click the beautifully created finished product is off to Germany, London, or in the Caribbean. Picture them building their own websites to market their products, designing their own labels.

“Mr. Speaker, many, including myself, spoke about this several years ago, and I am excited that at last this is becoming a reality, and I am especially pleased that it is happening under this Government. Needless to say, jobs will be created as never before for hinterland peoples,” she explained.

Additionally, Indigenous and hinterland residents in four other locations will benefit from the provision of four more radio stations, to be established to the tune of $150M. According to Minister Garrido-Lowe, the Government will do what it takes to bridge the information gap between the hinterland and the Coast.

Earlier this year, two radio stations were launched – Radio Lethem and Radio Mabaruma – in the newly established hinterland towns.

Turning her attention to infrastructural development, Minister Garrido-Lowe said residents would again reap tremendous benefits with a number of roads scheduled to be upgraded and rehabilitated in 2017.

“Mr. Speaker, roads are always of great concern to residents of the hinterland, as well as those who do business in the hinterland; and it is music to the ears to hear that (the sum of) $2.3B is earmarked for capital projects in the hinterland, with interventions for the Port Kaituma road from the airstrip to Fitzburg Housing Scheme in Region One; Issano Road and Karrau to Buckhall Roads in Region 7; Karasabai to Monkey Mountain in Region 8; and Aishalton Junction to Shea in Region 9. Very important is a further (sum of) $262.5M which will be allocated for maintenance to the existing road network,” she pointed out with a sense of pride and accomplishment. These projects, she emphasized, are necessary.

In the area of education, Minister Garrido-Lowe told the House that more students will benefit from the Hinterland Scholarship Programme, which has been expanded to provide for 530 students, moving up from the present 510 students. This, she further explained, would allow for more students to progress to tertiary institutions, thus affording more Indigenous and hinterland residents the opportunity to vie for public and private sector jobs.

Skills training
Additionally, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service programme in skills training, agriculture, eco-tourism, and hospitality and entrepreneurship will receive $991M come 2017.

“Mr. Speaker, the sun-dried organic tomato project I spoke about in the 2016 Budget is being implemented. The residents of Paramakatoi, Region 8, will soon be supplying the facility with fresh organic tomatoes, and the solar dryer being built in the community will extract the water from the tomatoes. Youths, women and men from Paramakatoi and the surrounding villages will be trained by staff of the IAST in food processing in the laboratory, and (will be) be certified,” she further pointed out.

Minister Garrido-Lowe has said that while there are many pessimists attempting to taint the budget, detailed attention would reveal the many positives not only for the Indigenous communities and the people of the hinterland, but for Guyanese all across Guyana.

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