RESIDENTS of Kamwatta, in the Moruca sub-region, Region 1 are the beneficiaries of a minibus valued $3.2M presented to them by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. The village has a population of approximately 300. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai handed over the keys to the vehicle to Kamwatta’s Senior Councillor, Ronald Benjamin.
The purchase of the vehicle was made possible through the 2010 and 2011 presidential grants and contributions from the village. The minibus will be used mainly to transport children.
“The Moruca sub-region is fast becoming a township in its own right; it is taking on a township pattern now…when I was there in December, I was told that there is a count of 62 vehicles,” Minister Sukhai said at the hand over at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.
Benjamin expressed appreciation for the gesture and other forms of assistance from government over the years. These he said are ‘powerful development tools for our community’.
Minister Sukhai said, “We understand that the road to Kamwatta has improved. However, from time to time there have been issues on how fast the improvement is taking place and how the road is standing up in some areas.”
Meanwhile immediately after, the ministry handed over a 40 -horsepower outdoor engine to another Region 1 community, Sebai. Its Toshao, Herbie Campbell received the equipment valued $1.2M. To complement the engine, a boat is being constructed.
“It is not a piece of equipment that is cheap, it comes with a cost and therefore we expect that the village council will secure the type of committee that will manage the use of the engine to the benefit of the community,” said Minister Sukhai.

Recently Sand Creek, Region 9 received from the ministry, a Nissan Frontier vehicle that is to be used for health purposes. (GINA)