AMERINDIAN Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai handed over a brand-new tractor and trailer to Toshao Randolph Browne of Katoka village in Central Rupununi, Region 9, in an outreach made to the village last Friday. The vehicles are intended for use as transportation, and for agricultural and other purposes. Led by Toshao Browne, Katoka villagers welcomed the minister and her delegation, which comprised of Ministry and Regional officials and members of the media.

The minister, during her interactions with the villagers, was given a detailed report on projects ongoing in the village, and she expressed her delight to return to Katoka village to see and hear of its ongoing developments.

Toshao Browne detailed the list of issues confronting the villagers. These concerned education, health, mining, electricity, security, roads and communication.

Minister Sukhai promised that the damaged solar panel in the village would be replaced in the second phase of the Hinterland Electrification Programme.

The villagers expressed appreciation for the minister’s visit and pledged to care and service the new equipment so that it may give long service in enhancing the developmental process of that hinterland community.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister promised to make representation for an additional Health Worker to be stationed at the village, and for giant local telecommunications companies, GT&T and Digicel, to seek installation of mobile communication equipment to service Katoka and contiguous villages.