– third phase of support rolls out.
-as promised after July flood
THE PPP/C administration, as promised, delivered on its pledge of making available monetary support for residents in Region Nine who were affected by flooding in July. A sum of $20,000 was presented to each affected farmer and household.
During the start of the recovery, emphasis was placed on food availability and food production. Several communities were presented with farming supplies, including chemicals to treat acoushi ants, spray cans, a variety of seeds, mineral blocks, storage containers, cassava mills and small water pumps.
The communities that benefited from Friday’s exercise include Karasabai, Wichabai, Tiger Pond, Taushida, Yurong Paru, and Pai Pang.
During the initial stages of the flood relief effort, President Bharrat Jagdeo had made it clear that the Administration will not spare any resources in ensuring that the responses are timely, adequate and sustained.
The fund allows affected persons to replace losses in their homes and farms, and it is a part of government’s long- term and sustained recovery plan.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, Regional Chairman Clarindo Lucas, and Regional Executive Officer Ronald Harsawack on Friday travelled to Karasabai to commence the distribution of the money.
A team comprising ministry staff and a representative from the Auditor General’s office remained in the area, and will be travelling to various communities within the sub-district to continue the process.
In her address to villagers, Minister Sukhai recognised the administration’s speedy response which saw contributions by a number of government ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministries of Health, Education, Agriculture, Local Government and Regional Development, and Public Works.
Minister Sukhai explained that the government’s response is in keeping with the set statutes outlined in their manifesto, with regard to Amerindian development.
She observed that Amerindians constitute the only ethnic group that has an entire month to celebrate their culture, traditions, lifestyles, and heritage. September was designated Amerindian heritage month by former president Cheddi Jagan who recognized the need for the Amerindians to celebrate their heritage.
Karasabai was the first community to erect a monument in honour of former President Jagan. It also houses a children’s play field in honour of another former President, Janet Jagan.
While in discussions with the villagers, Minister Sukhai highlighted the progress on several development programmes, including the electrification programme, One Laptop Per Family (OLPF), and presidential grants, with particular focus on promoting tourism.
With regard to the hinterland electrification programme, Minister Sukhai noted that currently technicians from the various communities have completed their training sessions, and the 11,000 solar panels are expected to arrive in Guyana shortly. She added that the 65 – watt solar panels allow for more to be done in the communities, while students will have adequate lighting to study.
The Amerindian Affairs Minister indicated that the OPLF unit is close to realizing this initiative, particularly since the contract for the laptops has already been approved. She expressed her hope that all the villagers will use the computers once they are accessible within the community.
Regional Chairman, Clarindo Lucas referred to previous incidents of flooding in the hinterland and coastland where people have been able to restart their lives successfully. In this regard, he encouraged the communities to continue with their work programmes.
He also highlighted the growth of Guyana’s economy and development of indigenous communities under the PPP/C administration.
Addressing the gathering, REO Harsawack spoke of the initial immediate response to the flood by government and other support agencies, including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).
He disclosed that the third phase of the government’s support package will be replicated in all the sub-districts and villages in Region 9, thereby targeting the affectethird pd 2,000 people.
Following the exercise, Minister Sukhai travelled to Bon Fim in neighbouring Brazil, where she joined Guyana’s Ambassador to that country, Kellawan Lall, at the GUY-BRAZ Festival at which Guyanese and Brazilians showcased their cultures.  (GINA)