Written By Chamanlall Naipaul
RESIDENTS of Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) were assured of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government commitment to providing equal opportunities for all.

This assurance was given n Friday by Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali during the Low Income Settlement (LIS) programme commissioning ceremony at Kwatamang in Region 9.
He appealed to residents of Region 9 for their continued support of the government so that it can continue the developmental process for other communities as well.
On this score the residents responded positively with several residents openly voicing the support of Amerindians acknowledging the persistent efforts of the government to significantly improve their lives.
Underscoring the importance of funds under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) earmarked for significant Amerindian development Ali lashed out at the opposition for blocking those funds under the 2013 national budget. However, he assured that strenuous efforts would be made by the government to have those funds restored in the 2014 national budget as the are crucial to development in Amerindian communities.
Touching on the houses built under the LIS programe, Ali commended the quality of work and described it as being comparable to that found on the coastland
He also said the project has provided a lot of experience which can be builton in other communities.
Ali disclosed greater focus and impetus will be placed on developing tourism in Amerindian communities.
The minister thanked Amerindians for placing trust in the PPP/C government which has helped it to deliver on what the people rightly deserve.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai said the government is pursuing development with equity through a focus on empowering people, noting that LIS programme targeted the most vulnerable.
She noted too that the LIS pilot project is a model which can be replicated in other communities and even in other countries.
She stressed that the government is operating in a harsh political environment but would not be swayed away from reaching to people, instead would remain steadfast on its developmental path and determined to compete its task.
However, Sukhai cautioned Amerindians by some who are coming under the guise of fighting for Amerindian rights but really are pursuing their political agenda.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to Amerindian development Sukhai disclosed that 187 communities have benefitted from Presidential Grants and more will benefit in the near future.
Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Ms. Myrna Pitt commended residents for completing the project in record time and for the intimate involvement of beneficiaries in its execution.
She recalled that the design of the project had all the markings of best practice for indigenous communities as the residents were integrally involved and consideration was taken of environmental compatibility.
Region 9 Chairman Winstn Lorentino noted that the people wer very excited asbout the project ad described it as an historic and wonderful event.