– Kabakaburi, Akawini, St. Monica residents benefit
AMERINDIAN communities in Guyana are rich with natural and human resources that allow the preservation of cultural heritage and provide great potential for tourism activities. To foster the Indigenous people’s development, Government has been dedicating resources towards their sustenance.

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday last hosted the graduation ceremony for the Youth Path Project under which residents of Kabakaburi, Akawini and St. Monica in Region Two received training.

In attendance at the graduation were Project Officer and staff of the Ministry’s Small Business Department, Sharon Alexander; Secretary General of the UNESCO Commission in Guyana Ms. Inge Nathoo; Trade Consultant and Lecturer of the American Peace Studies University Mr.  Alberto Dyer; and the Toshao of Kabakaburi Ms. Lorna Williams.

Alexander highlighted that the graduation symbolises the conclusion of phase two of the Youth Path Project, which seeks to train youths of disadvantaged communities of the Caribbean in the development and documentation of cultural and national heritage sites so that these sites can become the centre of internal or international tourism and in so doing generate income, improve communities and reduce poverty.

In addition, the activities conducted are aimed at enhancing the tourism product of the area and training youths in sustainable cultural and heritage perseverance, innovative tourism business initiatives and life skills training, Alexander stated.

The fibre craft project, a pilot programme which has been successfully implemented in Kabakaburi has been supported by the Japanese Government at a cost of approximately US$17,000.

Nathoo noted that the project was expedited smoothly and there was transparency and accountability for the money expended.

She further noted that the project saw residents being trained in various areas including Team Building and Proposal Writing which can foster their development. Residents were urged to utilise the skills and knowledge they have acquired and continue to grow and improve their communities.

Toshao Williams said she is pleased that Kabakaburi was identified for the pilot project since it will lead to the advancement of the villagers. It was emphasised that it will help to generate employment in the community which in turn will improve the lives of the villagers.

She highlighted that the inclusion of the project in the community has enabled the establishment of a cultural display room in the Village Office which will foster improvements in tourism activities.

As the village advances and gains resources, a museum will be established.

Dyer, who is an American, noted that interactions with the late Government minister  Dr. Desrey Fox have motivated his stay in Guyana to aid the country’s development.

He noted that coconut fibre which is predominant in the community is in demand across the world because it can be utilised for varying purposes including the cleaning of polluted rivers.

The Government Information Agency reported that, as a means to help the community, Dyer said he will assist in the marketing of their products. In a globalised world where business is conducted via the internet he will advertise the craft on his website and has promised to create a website for the community to facilitate the expansion of their craft production.

PHOTOS saved in Graphics files as:

** Youth Project 1

Craft work on display done by Youth Path Project participants

** Youth Project 2

Baskets made by the participants

** Youth Project 3

Residents at the graduation ceremony

** Youth Project 4

Participants of the Youth Path Project

** Youth Project 5

Secretary General of UNESCO Commission (Guyana) Ms. Inge Nathoo presents certificate to one of the participants.

** Youth Project 6

Trade Consultant, Alberto Dyer and Kabakaburi’s Toshao, Lorna Williams at the head table

** Youth Project 7

Project Officer, Sharon Alexander addressing the gathering