By: Indrawattie Natram

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday, presented a $1.9M cheque to the Toshao of Bethany, Sonia Latchman, to assist in the community’s agricultural development. The presentation was made during the distribution of grants from the government’s COVID-19 investment fund to Amerindian villages in Region Two. The event was held at the Regional State House. In presenting the cheque, Minister Sukhai explained that village councillors had presented a project proposal for the improvement of agriculture. The money given will be used to purchase planting materials and also assist in agro-processing. The minister also used the opportunity to encourage other councillors from the other Amerindian communities in the region to apply for grants for similar projects.

She said the grant was in addition to the presidential grant. Additionally, she informed those present that cash grants were available for the enhancement of eco-tourism, agro-processing, and language/cultural enhancement in the hinterland communities. “You need to do a project to enhance language and culture. If we don’t, we will lose our identity, so do projects that will promote the Amerindian language,” Minister Sukhai urged. The minister commended the Bethany Village Council for its project proposal. Toshao Latchman thanked the ministry for the additional grant and said that it will assist residents tremendously. Latchman said that due to the pandemic many persons in her community were unemployed and as such, they are turning to agriculture. The grant, she said will therefore be used to assist them to start agricultural projects.