THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has declared 2011 a successful year, in which there has been a number of significant improvements in areas that needed immediate development interventions. Millions of dollars have been injected to develop Amerindian communities and enhance the livelihood of the residents, Minster of Amerindian Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Sukhai told an end of year media conference at the Ministry’s Quamina Street, Georgetown office recently.
She said that year’s budget catered for the execution of many projects, including expansion of the National Secure Livelihood Programme and Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) among others.
“Issues such as Community Development Programmes (CDPs) under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) for which $33.7M were allocated for the expanding of the Secure Livelihood Programme in Region One, currently benefitting over 200 farmers while an additional $56M facilitated the construction of a poultry pen, plant nursery and operationalisation of the hinterland student dormitory at Liliendaal,” Sukhai disclosed.
According to her, the ministry continues to support the National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme and some $25M were budgeted for it in 2011.
“Already seven enterprises were kick started in agriculture and aquaculture and there are currently 228 direct beneficiaries of the programme,” she revealed.
Additionally, a $4M income has been recorded and the marketing of increased production in pineapple, cassava and ginger are expected.
With regards to CDPs, the ministry is working towards executing 93 during this year, 27 of these initiatives have been reviewed and sorted out are expected to be undertaken shortly.
Sukhai highlighted that, last year, a total of $500M was provided to fund development projects in Amerindian communities with the aim of advancing economic development at the community level.
In relation to the one laptop per family (OLPF), she said:“On November 8, 100 recipients from St. Cuthbert’s Mission and Kuru Kururu, two communities comprising predominantly Amerindians, received theirs as the distribution programme commenced.

COMMUNITY OUTREACHES
Turning her attention to community outreaches, Sukhai said the ministry has been working continuously to maintain community interaction and addressing issues affecting residents throughout the hinterland.
She said, during her several visits, residents were given the opportunity to speak out and share their views and concerns, even making requests that may aid in their betterment.
Sukhai said that approximately all the residents in the hinterland regions are receiving potable water since the establishment of six new boreholes in Regions One (Barima/Waini), Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) while new PVC systems have also been installed in these and other regions.
In addition to new distribution systems and the completion of elevated storage facilities, several communities have received black tanks for storage of potable water.
The minister reported, too, that the National Toshaos’ Council Secretariat benefitted from $12.5M to aid in executing its mandate.
Meanwhile, some $17M were distributed to those most severely affected during the Region Nine floods in June 2011, with each individual receiving $20,000 and the ministry completed the payout in the various sub-districts, where 800 beneficiaries got financial assistance.
Sukhai said the initiative was taken during the initial stages of the flood relief effort when then President Bharrat Jagdeo made a commitment that the Administration will not spare any resources in ensuring that the responses are timely, adequate and sustained.