Minister Ali observes tremendous developments under PPP/C
THE quiet Arawak settlement of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, some 30 miles south of Georgetown, blossomed on Saturday, as the community welcomed thousands of visitors to join in celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month 2011, ‘Pakuri style’, at their annual Village Day activities.
Guyanese and foreigners alike converged on the community in droves and were warmly welcomed by the residents. The visitors were all eager to partake in the many festivities planned, in keeping with the rich traditions and customs of the indigenous people there.
Joining in the celebrations were senior Government representatives, including Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali, and Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir, as well as renowned Guyanese cricketer, Ramnaresh Sarwan, among many others.
Delivering the feature address to mark the occasion, Minister Ali emphasized that under the PPP/C Administration, the Amerindians of Guyana are now enjoying the same opportunities as coastlanders, and are benefitting from the ubiquitous development sweeping the nation.
As testimony to this, he reminded the gathering of the many improvements the village has witnessed over the years, including the development of the water distribution system, and he assured that even more will be done in this area.
He said, “We are very happy to be in this community, a community that has progressed tremendously; this government stands committed to ensuring that the development continues to advance, that we continue to bring better services to improve your living conditions. We, as a government, want to say this to you, our Amerindian brothers and sisters; we will not rest until you enjoy all of the facilities like those on the coastland.”

More Benefits
More importantly, amidst loud cheers, Ali announced that there are plans to construct 30 additional homes in the community, through the Housing Ministry’s Core Homes project.
This, he noted, will only add to the already advanced “model” housing development in the area.
“This is one of the model communities in terms of housing, as traditionally, Amerindians did not operate in a  community-oriented planning way…we are now working with communities throughout the country to bring community planning and development; and focus in the future is to add the new homes,” he declared.
In addition to this, with the assistance of the Building Expo partners, the government will also play a role in the construction of a much-needed meeting place (Benab) for the residents of St. Cuthbert’s, Minister Ali announced.
As to the drive behind this venture, he noted that this is in keeping with the promise made by the  Expo organizers, to “leave a mark” at the end of every Building Expo; this community will be the first to benefit from this pledge.
He also announced that the residents, especially sports enthusiasts, are set to benefit from a quantity of sporting equipment presented by Ramnaresh Sarwan, to be disbursed through the Housing Ministry.
In closing, he extended warm heritage greetings to all assembled and pledged the continued support of the PPP/C towards the future enhancement of all Amerindian communities, including St. Cuthbert’s Mission, home to more than 1600.
“I want to assure you that with your continued support and leadership, we are going to work hand in hand to ensure that all our people develop and continue to have improved living conditions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labour Minister, Manzoor Nadir, reaffirmed the government’s support to the growth of the community and extended greetings on behalf of President Bharrat Jagdeo, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who was unable to attend the festivities, and the entire cabinet.
He acknowledged that over the years, the community has indeed advanced to the benefit of its members.

Sterling Contributions
Nadir noted too that 30 families from the area had applied to benefit from the One Laptop per Family initiative; since then, the community has received five computers and enjoys access to the internet.
“Under this programme which His Excellency, President Jagdeo pioneered, we will be providing this technology to 90,000 families. This centre, in a few short weeks, will be one of the learning hubs from the 200 across the country,” he explained.
The recipients of the laptops will also receive training at the centre in the village.
According to the Labour Minister, the biggest contribution made by the PPP/ C Administration has been to ignite in people the spirit of self help and self accomplishment, a factor which has driven development not only in St. Cuthbert’s, but also throughout the length and breadth of the country.
He said, “We have heard of the dream of El Dorado; today that dream is being realised, not only through the provision of electricity and roads, but in terms of development through knowledge… other plans, including infrastructure development, plans for the hydro plant, internet and discussion on a major railway will further propel development to every man, woman and child in this country.”
He acknowledged too, that over the years, the expansion and progress witnessed across the nation can be attributed to the “admirable” leadership of President Bharrat Jagdeo.
St. Cuthbert’s Toshao, Ernest Dundas, extended gratitude to the visiting ministers and to all of those who had gathered to partake in the planned activities.
He noted that through the interest generated from such events, the ‘rich heritage and culture’ of the proud Arawak community can be celebrated and preserved for years to come.
After the opening ceremony, the revellers were treated to an entire day filled with poetry, song, dance, craft and mouthwatering dishes reflective of the hospitality of the indigenous peoples.