A better life for the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana

Equity in the delivery of public services and access to the country’s resources is a part of the process of achieving social cohesion. This continues to be a key focus of the current administration, with Government emphasising empowerment, equality, employment, access to social services and education as the key means of ensuring the good life for all Guyanese.

From the revival of local democracy through local government elections, which allows citizens to take the lead in the decision-making process within their communities, to the introduction of several initiatives that encourage education and entrepreneurship, to the completion of infrastructural projects aimed at equitably improving the lives of citizens across the country, regardless of ethnicity, geographic location, gender, political affiliation or sexual orientation, this administration continues to work to ensure that every Guyanese has an equal stake in the nation’s development.

It was upon the longing of a nation to eschew divisions for once and for all and the need for national unity, harmony and a unified destiny that the coalition Government was founded. Since its assumption of office, a critical area of focus for the government has been building a socially cohesive society where every Guyanese has a sense of belonging and more so, an enhanced quality of life.

Bridging the gap
President Granger has said that his Government is serious about the development of all regions in Guyana, whether Hinterland or Coastland and will ensure that all Guyanese are able to benefit from projects, programmes and services, which can improve their lives. At the commissioning of a new bridge in Ykinipa, Pomeroon-Supenaam on December 17, 2017, the President said no village or resident, regardless of geographic location, would be left behind under this administration.

“I am President of all Guyana. I know what you need and as long as God gives me the strength, I will ensure that I deliver what you need. Every Guyanese must have access to public services. I don’t believe in bush. I believe in people and whether you are living in Akawini or Orealla or Kwakwani, you deserve access to public services. As far as President Granger is concerned, I treat all citizens equal,” the President said.

Infrastructural Development
While resources are limited, the Government has committed itself to improving the infrastructural landscape of the country. Decisions on infrastructural development work are not based on perceived political affiliation in various communities but on Government policy aimed at linking the Hinterland to the Coastland and the development of a world-class road and bridge network to spur economic activity.

In order for residents to function effectively in their communities, it is important that each community is equipped with basic services. These services include the required infrastructure to provide ease of access to and from the communities as well as access to health, education and other facilities that aid in improving one’s quality of living. In three years, the coalition government has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on infrastructural development in order to provide equal access, particularly in previously neglected areas.

The President has said that ensuring that residents have access to these facilities is part of ensuring that Guyanese enjoy the good life.

“We do not believe that your roads should be inferior, [that] your transportation should be inferior, that your schools should be inferior. That is why we are spending millions of dollars on sea defence and improving transportation on this island so that you must be able to move about so that you must be able to get your paddy from the farms. You must be able to sell your produce in other parts of the island, the Region and the country. And we will continue working for you because every Guyanese is entitled to equal access to education, equal access to employment, equal access to good infrastructure,” he said.

As the Government bolsters its effort to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland, it announced in the 2018 National Budget that the terms of reference for the design and feasibility of the Linden-Mabura road upgrade, the river crossing at Kurupukari, and the coastal river and infrastructure project have been granted approval. Also, $250 million has been set aside to improve airstrips and aerodromes across the country, of which, $140 million will be used to commence the rehabilitation of airstrips at Bemichi and Kamana.

Another 12 airstrips across the hinterland regions will be rehabilitated at a cost of $110.3 million. Government is also in negotiation with a multilateral donor to secure a US$15 million loan, to finance a project for further aerodrome and airstrip development across the hinterland. Under that programme, the Lethem airstrip will be upgraded to a regional hub and international aerodrome, in order to receive flights originating from Brazil and other Latin American neighbours.

At his Post Cabinet Press briefing held on June 5, 2018, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced that the government, in keeping with its promise to promote hinterland development, will be rehabilitating and constructing a number of urban roads in Barima Waini (Region One). A total of $90.5 million has been awarded to this project.

“$59.9M was awarded to International Imports and Supplies for the rehabilitation of the Barabina Swamp Road, also in Region One. The stretch of road from Wanaina to Yarakita Landing will also be rehabilitated, using some $46.3M. Meanwhile, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), $75.8M was awarded to R&B Investment Incorporated for the rehabilitation of the Bartica/Potaro Roads. Mekdeci Machinery Construction Incorporated was awarded $52.2M for the rehabilitation of the Bartica/Potaro Road in the vicinity of the St. Mary’s Quarry. Mekdeci was also awarded another contract to the tune of $126.080M for the rehabilitation and construction of the Issano Road (Phase II) from White Hill to Issano Landing,” he said.

Over in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors were awarded a contract to the tune of $76.6M for the rehabilitation of Lethem’s road network, particularly within the confines of the town.

Education
President Granger has vowed to make Guyana the ‘education nation’. The President’s Five B’s Initiative which provides boats, buses, bicycles, breakfast and books to schoolchildren, has made it easier for children to go to and remain in school. Riverine, hinterland and coastal communities have been able to benefit, as the President believes that education plays a critical role in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and providing opportunities to all of Guyana’s children.

With this in mind, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA), Ms. Valeria Garrido- Lowe said that the Ministry has been working assiduously over the past three years to ensure that every child in the hinterland is afforded similar opportunities as those on the coast.

“We have a President who places much emphasis on education and the 2018 Budget reflects that. In order to develop our communities, we must educate our people, and this is what your Government has been doing for the past three years. To date, we have more Indigenous and hinterland persons attending University of Guyana, Georgetown Technical Institute, the Guyana School of Agriculture, Carnegie School of Home Economics and Burrowes School of Art, than ever before – and they are all being assisted by Government scholarships, thus, taking away some of the worry from the parents. Four reading books in Wapishana, Macushi, Patamona and Akawaio will be introduced in our Primary school reading time – for the first time ever. Through the MoIPA we have provided scholarships for 566 students in all, 73 tertiary students and 493 secondary students. We have a 90.1 % pass rate overall. We are now catering for more tertiary level students with the construction of a dormitory that will be able to accommodate 120 students. This dorm should be completed by September,” she said.

Hinterland students have also been able to benefit under First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger’s ‘Shoes that grow’ programme. Under this programme, more than 3000 children were given shoes to attend school.

Employment
While training and vocational education will no doubt empower a generation of talented young people, this administration has demonstrated that it is interested in inculcating a culture of industry and entrepreneurship. In this regard, programmes have been developed to provide the necessary support for budding entrepreneurs, while others focus on skills training to aid in employment ability.

One such initiative, which looks at vocational training is the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), which was launched in October 2016. This is an exchange programme where persons teach, discuss, learn and exchange experiences and knowledge in order to improve their standard of living and contribute positively to the development of their communities. It targets 2000 youth in 106 communities across the hinterland regions and is in keeping with President Granger’s promise of improving lifestyles and standards of living for youth and young adults who reside in the hinterland. Minister Garrido-Lowe said that it has become a flagship programme for her Ministry.

“HEYS can be termed a success, turning out to date, 1,302 successful small businesses and we have not added in Baramita yet. Yes, the Indigenous People of Baramita are beginning to feel what it means to be young entrepreneurs. As a matter of fact, almost 4,000 young Indigenous and hinterland persons, in 215 villages across Guyana, are looking at their future in a different way. They now realise that they have a future ahead of them and that they have to be a part in creating that wonderful future for themselves … and they have been given the tools to do so. No more handouts! In Santa Rosa, we are working together to resuscitate the coffee industry where 15 dedicated farmers will be planting 15 acres of coffee for which Government has invested the sum of $10M for 2018 and another $10M has been invested in the people of Kwebana, who are absolutely excited in producing and selling their cassava flour to the Guyanese nation,” she said.

She also noted that residents of Smith Creek, Mabaruma will also be venturing into crab and fish processing in the coming months while the tomato processing facility in Paramakatoi continues to be a success.

Access to public information

President Granger has said that the Regional Public Broadcasting Services are intended to empower citizens at the grassroots level through the creation of a more informed populace, the removal of inequality, encouraging greater participation and inclusivity in decision making on important national matters and improving village economies by giving residents a conduit through which they can promote their product and services to attract wider markets. He has also made it clear that public information is the right of every Guyanese, regardless of their geographic location, to access public services, particularly public information, which will ensure that they are equipped to make informed choices and decisions and to have their voices heard.

It is in this vein that the Government has embarked on a mission of establishing regional and community radio stations. Thus far, Radio Mabaruma, Radio Orealla, Radio Mahdia, Radio Bartica, Radio Lethem and Radio Aishalton and Radio Piwomak have been commissioned within the last two years.

Before unveiling the plaque to officially mark the commissioning of Radio Aishalton on February 17, 2018, the Head of State said that the Constitution of Guyana mandates that every Guyanese should be given the freedom of expression and as President, he will ensure that every citizen has a voice.

“Your Government is concerned that as far as the delivery of public information services is concerned, just like public health and public education, you should not be wanting for public information and this radio station is going to assist not just in education alone but in democracy in Government. When I speak of public information, I speak of a public good. A public good is something that everyone can take away but it will not diminish or deprive someone else and the radio station is a public good. Everyone can benefit and no one can lose. You have a right to public information,” he said.

Village Toshao, Mr. Douglas Casimero, in his remarks, said that the community is pleased with the initiative and committed to working with the Government to ensure that the President’s plan to bridge the developmental gap between the hinterland and the coastland is achieved.

“Today is a truly historical day for Aishalton and the other villages of South Rupununi. I thank you for Radio Aishalton. We would like to be treated as people with equal rights. I am really thankful and I am humbled. Today the seat of Government is at Aishalton. Thank you and indeed we are now going to bridge the gap between the coastland and the hinterland. Aishalton welcomes this. I would like to say that we are with you, Your Excellency, on the road to development that will help us to realise our potential,” he said.

The residents too, expressed their elation with the set-up of the radio station, noting that they can now feel more connected to the events and news from the coastland. Ms. Rena LaRose said, “Having this radio is really exciting for me. Before you had been sitting and wondering what to do but this here has brought excitement and joy to my heart and our community where we can now have a way of learning. I think this would benefit the community a lot, the young people and the children.”

Mr. Rudolph George, a resident of Aishalton, said that he is particularly pleased with the decision to involve youths from the villages in the work of the new radio station. He said that the initiative signals Government’s commitment to inclusivity. “We are very happy to get this radio station brought here because we can now listen to the news from around the country and know what is happening. This is a great improvement for us and we can listen to our radio from our homes. The persons who will be trained to work at the radio station is also great and we want to thank the Government for this. We feel very proud about this because now we can listen to news, educational and religious programmes. I feel that Deep South can be proud of this. Today I feel like we are not left behind but we are being uplifted,” Mr. George said.

Access to Public Services

The Government has embarked on the process of decentralising critical services such as the issuance of birth certificates, passports and other related public services. The Ministry of Citizenship is expected to commence construction for passport offices in Lethem and Bartica.

The Ministry of Communities through the Central Housing and Planning Authority has also commenced works aimed at creating a better standard of living for hinterland residents. To date, 93 houses are earmarked for the Barima-Waini (Region One), 224 houses are earmarked for the Upper Essequibo-Upper Takatu (Region Nine) and 22 houses are earmarked for the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region (Region Seven).

The Ministry of Public Health has also undertaken works to improve access to health services in these regions. Currently, there are 74 doctors serving in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine with more expected to be added before the end of the year.

The Ministry of Communities through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has already installed safe drinking water systems in 13 Indigenous communities, where they are most needed while the Ministry of Public Telecommunications has rolled out internet service to 19 Indigenous communities to date including Mabaruma, Santa Rosa, Paramakatoi, Masekenari, Karasabai, Matthew’s Ridge, Waramadong, Annai, Sand Creek, Aishalton, St. Ignatius, Port Kaituma, Bartica and Mainstay/ Whyaka.

The Government, therefore, continues to work to ensure that the gaps between the Coastland and the hinterland are not only bridged but that a good life, boosted by high-quality health care, access to education, proper infrastructural developments and overall access to efficient public services are enjoyed by all Guyanese.