The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Thursday handed over $14M worth of equipment to Toshaos of Regions One and Nine, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of indigenous people living in remote communities. The equipment includes a $6.25M John Deere tractor with a 60-tonne trailer which was given to Katoonarib village, Region Nine, and a Toyota minibus to Karaburi, Region One, valued $2M. They were all purchased with funds from presidential grants.

One hundred and seventy 15-watt solar panels were also purchased at a cost of $5.95M, under the Unserved Areas Electrification Programme (UAEP).  Thirty five of the panels will be given to Tiger Pond, 25 to Paipang, 65 to Katoonarib and 45 to Parikwarunau, all villages in Region Nine.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, during the handing over ceremony at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in the city, noted that the equipment and machinery will help to curb the transportation crisis in those communities.
The solar units will provide electricity to the households and will “aid children having to do their studies at night”.
She also noted that the Ministry, through its mandate, will continue to make similar donations to other communities, as part of the holistic approach by the Government to develop the lives of Guyana’s first people.
Transportation in Karaburi will be improved with the minibus which will serve a community with a population of 900.
Minister Sukhai said that the tractor and trailer given to Katoonarib will be used to transport goods and produce for that village, as well as serve other surrounding communities.
Katoonarib Toshao, Habert Wilson, explained that the tractor and trailer will be used to carry out a number of functions to aid in the development of the village and other communities in Region Nine.
Karaburi Toshao, William Rodrigues, expressed his gratitude to Government and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for responding to the village’s request in a timely manner, and for their continued assistance in helping, not only his village, but Region One, to progress.
He also assured Minster Sukhai that the minibus will be properly maintained.
Recently the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs distributed 574 solar panels to 16 Amerindian communities in Regions One, Two and Nine. (GINA)