THE availability of additional funding, via payments from Norway, will undoubtedly contribute to bolstering economic activities in Amerindian communities, according to Chairman of the National Toshaos’ Council, Mr. Derrick John.

His remarks were made on Wednesday at the opening of the 2014 National Toshaos’ Conference, ongoing at the Guyana International Conference Centre, until Saturday.
Last Friday, President Donald Ramotar announced the release of US$35M transferred to Guyana by Norway, which represents the fourth payment for climate services and continued low deforestation, as part of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
To date, Guyana has earned US$150M in payments from Norway, inclusive of the latest transfer of $35M, since the partnership started – US$80M for the Amaila hydro project and approximately US$70M of the Norway monies have been deposited in the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), which is channelling investment into LCDS projects.
Many of the LCDS projects have been rolled out in hinterland communities and benefit Guyana’s first peoples.
Some 187 Amerindian villages, communities and settlements produced impressive Community Development Plans and have benefited from advances from the LCDS Amerindian Development Fund. In the last year, 26 of them received funding through this programme – creating low- carbon opportunities in eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and manufacturing. In the coming year, what remain of the plans will start to be implemented, among others.
Also, the Norway funds have been invested in ensuring that over 11,000 Amerindian homes have electricity for the first time – powered by solar units.
Another success is the fact that low- carbon industries, such as eco-tourism, are growing fast in the Rupununi, as much as 20 per cent a year.
The payment was based on Guyana’s deforestation rate in 2012, as well as the country’s progress on indicators related to agreed goals for forest governance. (Vanessa Narine)