The Amerindian communities in Guyana have suffered from hundreds of years of neglect under colonialism and even during the early post-colonial period under the PNC government, Consequently, these the socio-economic development of these communities has been left far behind their coastal counterparts.However, under the PPP/C government, increasing attention and emphasis on socio-economic development in Amerindian communities have become the order of the day. In fact, our late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, a few years after assuming office following the historic October 5, 1992 elections, established a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs signalling his government’s intention to intensify and accelerate Amerindian development.
In and out of government Dr Jagan and the PPP kept in close contact with our indigenous peoples. Former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, has the reputation of knowing the hinterland better than most Guyanese as he was tasked by the party when it was in opposition for 28 years to work with Amerindians to mobilise, organise and educate the Amerindian people. And he did a magnificent job in this regard, making gruelling trips to various Amerindian communities. During those times it was even joked that he was granted honorary Amerindian “citizenship.”
Dr Jagan also made frequent trips to Amerindian communities. Just before his illness and subsequent death, he had made a one-week visit to the entire South Rupununi travelling hundreds of miles, despite his advanced age.
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs initially came under the auspices of the Office of the President, eventually becoming a full- fledged ministry and ever since, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, has been actively engaged in addressing issues affecting Amerindians as well as promoting socio-economic development.
As a result of this policy of the government, today the socio-economic landscape of Amerindian communities have been dramatically transformed with many of them boasting of electricity supply; potable water; new and improved education; health and transportation facilities and access to the internet. Under the LCDS, more developmental programmes have been earmarked. Unfortunately, that has hit a snag with the opposition cuts to the national budget.
Recently, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among other agencies, launched the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP).The scheme would make grants directly to civil society organisations (CSOs), including community-based ones and non-governmental organisations, to design and implement projects that will bring environmental and livelihood benefits to communities.
The UNDP is providing the funds by donating US$350M which will help to develop 170 Amerindian communities countrywide.
Priority is being given to poor and vulnerable communities in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation; climate change; sustainable forest management and prevention of land degradation among others.
Delivering the feature address at the launch, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud, noted that the event is a timely one and will provide a lot of opportunities.
He said his ministry and Amerindian communities can expect to grow and develop because of the initiative.
This programme will definitely serve to promote and accelerate development in Amerindian communities and as the minister observed it is indeed a timely one.