Advancing Amerindian development

There are some in our midst who are peddling a line that the government is pushing Amerindian development as an election ploy to win votes rather than being genuinely committed to development in the indigenous communities. But does this assertion have any merit?
The available evidence and facts certainly do not bear out their assertion, because ever since this government assumed office it has embarked upon a deliberate and comprehensive development programme to improve the living standards of Amerindians.
This was one of the promises in the ruling party’s 1992 election manifesto. As such, under the stewardship of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was established for the first time in Guyana with Vibert DeSouza having the honour of being the first Minister of Amerindian Affairs.
The ministry which initially came under the auspices of the Office of the President later became a separate entity and this status it enjoys to this day. So this election ploy contention is pure hogwash.
The records will also show that the ruling party, while in opposition, was the only one, apart from the TUF for a short period, which worked tirelessly and persistently among the indigenous communities highlighting their plight and championing their cause.
The former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, as the ruling party’s Organising Secretary, became a household name among the Amerindians because of his dedicated, persistent work among them.
As a result of his hard work he is recognised as one of their heroes and has the credit of probably being the most knowledgeable and widely travelled person in Guyana with respect to Amerindian communities.
Therefore, it is not a case of the party working among the Amerindians only when in government. Dr. Jagan in 1996, shortly before his death, made an epic journey to the South Rupununi visiting every single village during a one-week stay there.
And everywhere he went the people demonstrated their love for him, trekking several miles from their remote villages to meet with him. And in his characteristic style he listened patiently and attentively to their problems and promised them to address them. This government is doing exactly what he promised—addressing their problems.
If the government’s work in the indigenous communities has won them votes, then no one should complain because it is logical that the Amerindians would support those who have stood with them through thick and thin and are assiduously working to improve their lives and bring development to their communities.
Under the previous government, which was in power for nearly decades, neglected Amerindian development and as such there was abject poverty, lack of educational and medical facilities, shortages of food and water, etc. In fact, many Amerindians migrated to neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela because of the harsh living conditions under the government at that time.
Today, only the naïve would assert that all of the problems have been resolved, however, equally only the naïve would deny that Amerindians are better off under this government, as there are now secondary schools and hospitals in many communities where there was none. Potable water and electricity are also enjoyed by many communities.
A Distance Education programme is now helping to train teachers from within the communities thereby ensuring a higher quality of education delivery. There are better roads and improved transportation facilities. Agriculture is also expanding with rice now being grown at Moco Moco in Region 9.
In short, every facet of socio-economic development in Amerindian communities has been addressed over the past 18 years this government has been in office. So it is not an overnight process aimed at garnering votes as some opponents of the ruling party are desperately trying to make out. The facts and reality do not support such a claim.
The process of development in every community in the nation is accelerating, with inputs from all stakeholders.
However, because of remote locations and difficult accessibility, Amerindian communities, which meet with governmental officers and ministers as the needs arise, also congregate to air general concerns at the annual National Toshaos Council, which opened yesterday at the National Convention Centre at Liliendaal, with full participation.
At that opening ceremony, Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council, Mrs. Yvonne Pearson, decried the call by opposition forces for Toshaos to boycott the event; but she said that development can only be built on partnerships unless there is dialogue, and that the Toshaos must have the courage to admit that there have been great changes, effected by the Government, which have greatly enhanced the lives of Amerindian peoples.
She adjured her people not to listen to detractors and abandon the forum that the National Toshaos Council offers for dialogue and partnerships that can further enhance the developmental thrust of the indigenous peoples of Guyana, who are now being recognized and treated as equals after years of being sidelined in the national landscape.

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