GENERAL Secretary of the ruling Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, has commended the Amerindian Peoples on their “militant stand” during the three days they demonstrated to demand recognition of their right to development.

At a PPP press conference at Freedom House on Monday last, he called on the Opposition Parliamentary parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), to restore the funds that were allocated to advance development in Amerindian communities across the country, but which they cut from the 2014 National Budget.

The combined Opposition in the National Assembly voted down $1.1B for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), $6M for rehabilitation of buildings, $13.5M for purchase of boats and engines, $20M for the purchase of vehicles and motorcycles, and 3M for the purchase of furniture and equipment – the entire capital budget of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Also disapproved was the $185M designated for hinterland airstrips under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Additional sums for development in the Amerindian communities were also voted down under allocations in the Ministry of Finance’s capital expenditures budget.

At a press conference held at Freedom House last Monday, Rohee said, “(The Opposition parties have to) stop putting narrow partisan interests ahead of the lives and wellbeing of our indigenous people.

“…the APNU and the AFC have once again used their one-seat majority to deny (Amerindian people) allocations provided in the 2014 Budget by the PPP/C Government to improve the quality of their lives….

“We condemn the cuts made by the Opposition Parliamentary parties, which would negatively impact on the living standards of these communities, especially as it pertains to land titles and building capacity at the local level to undertake community projects which are made available under the Amerindian Development Fund.”

Rohee said that refusal by the combined Parliamentary Opposition to approve monies allocated for Amerindian development is not only outrageous, but highly unconscionable.

“It exposes the true nature of the APNU and the AFC, both of whom have conspired to deny the Amerindian people their inalienable right to a decent and dignified life,” he said.

SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS
Rohee added that the ruling party has consistently held the view that under the previous People’s National Congress (PNC) regime, Amerindians were reduced to being second class citizens, and were denied basic fundamental rights.

He said, “These rights included the right to quality education, quality health care, employment opportunities, and recreational facilities.

“It is quite evident, from the actions taken by the combined opposition, that they are bent on repeating their past performance; namely, to starve Amerindians of developmental funds, and to stultify their material and cultural advance….

“The PPP calls on the Opposition parties to desist from playing politics with the lives and wellbeing of our Amerindian and hinterland communities.”

Rohee said that, as a party and Government, the PPP/C is proud of its track record in terms of raising the profile of our Amerindian people, and in bringing these communities into the mainstream of national development.

“It is clear for all to see that the entire social and physical infrastructure of these hinterland communities have been substantially overhauled since the assumption (to office) of the PPP/C administration, even though challenges still remain,” he said.

Rohee pointed out that one of the first tasks of the PPP/C administration, on its assumption to office in October 1992, was to establish a Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and appoint a Minister of Amerindian Affairs.

In addition, he cited the PPP/C administration’s dedication of an entire month, September, to celebrate the life and works of our indigenous peoples.

“It is clear that the actions taken by APNU and the AFC are intended to punish the Amerindian population for their overwhelming support (of) the PPP and the PPP/C administration,” Rohee said.

Rohee assured that the ruling party would continue to champion the cause of Guyana’s Amerindian population.
Written By Vanessa Narine