PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Saturday cut the symbolic ribbon at Santa Aratack village, a riverine community in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), to commission ‘Santac Tours and Travel’, a tourism-oriented service.

The service is the first project to be completed under the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Guyana Redd + Investment Fund (GRIF). A guesthouse and dining hall were also commissioned on this occasion.

In his address, President Ramotar spoke of the many investments the current administration has made over the years to hinterland communities. He recalled that when the current government assumed office, there were little or no opportunity for hinterland communities, but that has changed over the years.

“Very few hinterland children had the opportunity to go to school… When we think that today that I can stand and tell you that we are closer to having universal secondary education, that itself is a major achievement for our country as a whole,” he declared.

Under the current administration, over 1000 schools have been built across the country, making provision for every hinterland child.

“Where we can’t put a school in every community, we built schools with dorms, free uniforms, meals, text books, and now the $10,000 grant this will ensure all our children go to school,” the Head of State said.

Pointing to the recent CSEC results, the President noted that the country’s top students came from every administrative region, including hinterland regions. As a result of Government’s investment, the President noted, in Waramadong, 700 children are attending school, while there has also been an increase in attendance at Paramakatoi, in Region Eight.

The Head of State also pointed out that the largest portion of the national budget goes to the social sector, with a significant portion going towards the education sector, and “that is not by accident; it is because we recognise that investing in our people, the human capital, is very important,” he declared.

The President said it has been a proven fact that there is a direct link between education and poverty; and with more educated people, the border of poverty is pushed further away.

Speaking about other developmental initiatives for hinterland communities, the President zeroed in on the Hinterland Electrification Programme, which has seen communities being equipped with solar panels.

Eleven thousand of those are already installed, and more are to come.

He also mentioned the indigenous communities’ contribution towards the LCDS. He noted that Guyana’s model is being used in places like Indonesia, and is now being looked at by the Congo.

Regarding the project that was launched, the President lauded the efforts of the villagers, and called on the residents of Santa Mission to capitalise on the initiative, as it will have several spin-off benefits for their community.

“I join the call for you to look at your marketing. You have to attract people and make them want to come. This can help to develop your craft industry and your market, too. It is not limited to people who come here; having the Internet now, the whole world becomes a market where people can buy your goods,” he advised.

He also urged the residents to maintain their culture, as this would boost their product.

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Ms. Pauline Sukhai and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Ms. Kadijah Musa joined the Head of State as the village launched this project, which has now paved the way for more than 100 Amerindian communities to receive funding for their Community Development Plans (CDPs).

Minister Sukhai said she was recently informed that the sum of US$6.3M has been released and is ready for disbursement to the other communities. She expressed satisfaction over the timely completion of the project, and the quality of work that has been done on the guesthouse.

“This project is one that will forever resound in the minds of all who are here. It is Heritage Month, and it is important that you chose to launch this facility and, of course, the project, which is one among 26 that is progressing. This is the first one that is being formally launched, and I want to congratulate you,” Minister Sukhai said.

She noted that it is remarkable what the villagers were able to do with the money allocated to them, as it reflects good management.

“It does not matter how much funding we give; what matters is that we get value for the money, and how well you manage it. It will be an important feature in Amerindian development,” she said.

The Minister told the gathering that it is their resourcefulness which brought about this kind of development, as it also reflects unity.

“It’s resounding evidence, and I call on other villages to follow suit,” she said. “And, indeed, it is also evidence to those who feel that investment funds placed in Amerindian people go to waste.”

Ms. Musa also lauded the initiative and the residents for what she described as outstanding work.

“It’s really an honour to be here to see the final results. I was here a few months ago and saw it in progress, and it’s amazing…. I think that whatever you will need going forward from here is quite minor.”

The UNDP Country Representative also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work that was put into the project. She also encouraged the villagers not to move away from their culture while executing this project, as it is very important and it is what will attract persons.

“The world wants to know about you and your culture. It is important to see how you sing your songs, introduce your history of the community.”

She further urged the residents to maintain a very high standard at the guest house, as well as in regard to the service they would be providing.

“I think this community will continue to be an example as we unfold the second phase of Amerindian Economic Development Programme. They create a window for other villages.”

Ms Musa pledged continuous support of the UNDP towards the project as she thanked the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs as well as the Office of Climate Change for their contribution to the project.
CONCEPT
The ‘Santac Tours and Travel’ is a community-based approach to cultural and heritage tourism. The concept is to promote and preserve indigenous knowledge and skill through interpretation, providing an alternate means of livelihood and professional development.

This new project, which is the Santa Mission’s CDP under the LCDS/GRIF Initiative, will provide tour packages, tour guides, destination management, natural resources management, and training.

With the new guesthouse, persons can now plan overnight trips at the Santa Aratack Reservation; and with the dining area in place, a new atmosphere for company retreats and other functions has been provided.