AS the Amerindian Affairs Ministry pursues its goal of making Amerindian communities viable through increasing their income earnings and improving transport, it continues to provide more areas with the means to move around people and produce.
This afternoon the communities of Karisparu, Region Eight and Yurong Paru and Parabara Region Nine received one All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) each.

In addition, Community Development Officer of North Pakaraimas Region Nine, Matheson William was presented an ATV to carry out his tasks which entail visiting various communities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall, who was tasked with handing over the ATVs to the Toshaos and Officer, explained to them that the vehicles are expected to be used to conduct the affairs of the communities.
In attendance at the presentation ceremony were the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; Toshaos Felix William and Ekufa Mawsha respectively of Karisparu and Parabara; and Community Development Officer of North Pakaraimas in Region Nine, Matheson William.
Dharamlall stated that boosting the communities’ capacity with vehicles is an initiative by Government to hasten development. The vehicles will lessen the time of journey allowing for timely arrival of produce to the market.
It was noted that owing to the topography of the communities, the ATV is the most suitable type of transport. The total cost for the ATVs is approximately $9.8M and they are funded through the Ministry’s 2010 Capital Programme.
Toshao Williams noted that residents of his community travel by foot and aircraft which are not convenient at all times. He explained that travelling on foot takes a long time and by air is expensive.
He stated that in cases of medical emergencies, the ATV will be easier to transport the sick to the aircraft and also goods to neighbouring markets. Williams expressed gratitude to the Ministry and President Bharrat Jagdeo for the ATV which will benefit his community tremendously.
Matheson William indicated that access to the ATV will help him to expedite his tasks of assisting Amerindians in a timely manner. He noted that North Pakaraimas is mountainous and to cover the distance by foot is difficult and as such, he is happy for the vehicle.
He highlighted that the ATV will also be used by the community to transport emergency cases for medical attention. (GINA)