During an outreach to about 20 communities in Region 9 recently, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Ganga Persaud, and Permanent Secretary Collin Croal, commissioned, among other projects, an Amerindian hostel at Karasabai. The hostel, constructed at a cost of $8.5M, is yet another manifestation of the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Amerindians.
Approximately 3000 residents will benefit from this structure, not only from Karasabai, but from its neighbouring communities, such as Tiger Pond, Rukumutu, and Tipuru.
“The commissioning of this hostel is very timely, because Amerindian development is being curtailed….government, continuing on its commitment to development, will persist in improving the livelihood of Amerindians,” Croal said, making reference to the recent joint Opposition’s action to cut $20.9B from the 2012 National Budget, that would affect projects in the hinterland.
Over the years, the administration has been demonstrating its commitment through continued delivery of health care, education and assistance for income generating activities for the indigenous people.
However, while huge sums are being spent on construction of facilities, maintenance also plays a key role in their sustainability. Croal stated that the Region 9 administration will have oversight for the building.
The Local Government Minister also commissioned a $3.6M abattoir at Karasabai, which will see 450 residents benefiting directly and indirectly, as government moves to up the ante with regard to ensuring animals for human consumption are slaughtered under hygienic conditions.
Previously, residents were forced to slaughter their animals at home and under trees, which was condemned by the Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Department. The fully subsidised abattoir, a promise made in 2011 by government, was lauded by the residents.
As government work tirelessly to have a complete transformation of the economic and social landscape of the hinterland, a $5M teachers’ quarters was also commissioned at Tiger Pond, to benefit teachers from schools in the area.
This building adds to the list of those constructed by government in the Region’s education sector, such as the Sand Creek Secondary School and dormitory, the Annai Secondary School and dormitory, and the St Ignatius Secondary.