-under third phase of support for those affected by June flood
A TEAM of Ministry of Amerindian Affairs officials, including Minister Pauline Sukhai, journeyed to Annai, Region 9, to continue the payout which is a part of the third phase of support from government, to approximately 856 residents in the Annai sub-district. This includes communities such as Crashwater, Rupertee, Wowetta, Rewa, Surama, Fairview and Toka. Over $17M is being distributed to the most severely affected individuals, with each receiving $20,000.
To ensure the recipients receive the financial assistance, a team is remaining in the sub-district to continue the process. This initiative was taken during the initial stages of the flood relief effort when President Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that the administration will not spare any resources in ensuring that the responses are timely, adequate and sustained.
Thus far, communities in the Karasabai sub-district, including Wichabai, Tiger Pond, Taushida, Yurong Paru, and Pai Pang, have received the monetary support which allows the affected persons to replace losses in their homes and farms.
This is  part of government’s sustained recovery plan.
Minister Sukhai explained that the compiled list for the exercise was done through a collaborative effort of the toshaos, community development officers and district development officers.  This information was then submitted to the ministry for verification.
The minister recalled that the first phase of the response saw the mobilisation of flood-affected persons into shelters, while the second phase saw steps taken to ensure that critical supplies, food and agricultural materials were provided.
Minister Sukhai noted that, that aspect of government’s response was very successful and was supported by the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Local Government and Regional Development, Public Works, the Regional Democratic Council, and the Civil Defence Commission.
With regard to Agriculture Month, Minister Sukhai observed that agriculture is no strange occupation to Amerindians, since it is aids their food security. She added that currently there are many communities that are more productive than before, and this has resulted in excess production that enables the communities to market their products across the sub-district and even beyond.
Minister Sukhai also referred to  the grow more food campaign which has helped to propel many communities into a position where they have realised that agriculture is their lifeline.
Regional Chairman, Clarindo Lucas, said it is critical for the villagers to be aware that climate change is very evident, as there have been strange rainfall patterns.
Early in June, extensive rainfall caused the bordering rivers to overflow their banks, flooding many of the region’s villages. (GINA)