The PPP/C administration has been placing much emphasis on Amerindian development. Amerindians have historically been disadvantaged by both the colonial and PNC administrations, but they remain a proud and resilient people.

Despite the economic hardships, Amerindians remain the largest growing segment of the population and now constitute roughly 10 per cent of the total population.

One of the planned initiatives by the PPP/C administration to advance Amerindian development is the injection of $35 billion this year into various hinterland communities. This is also supplemented by $4.7 billion, which hinterland communities will receive as part of the government’s commitment to ensure that Amerindian communities benefit from revenues generated by the country’s massive forest resources.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has pledged his wholehearted commitment and that of his administration to improving the lives of Amerindians.

In its 2020-2025 manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has promised to safeguard the rights of Amerindians.

The document expressly states that “emphasis will be placed on infrastructural development in villages, creating job opportunities, improving social services and enhancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples.” Already, several initiatives have been executed in keeping with those manifesto promises.

Owing to the government’s work and the most recent projects outlined in Budget 2023, the National Toshaos Council had said that the fiscal plan is a demonstration of the government’s ability to prudently manage our country’s diverse resources, as well as making conscious investments in sectors that will immediately impact our daily lives.

Among the measures, which the NTC highlighted were the impending increase in the education grant to $40,000; improved land tenure security for Indigenous Peoples with the allocation of $500 million for the continuation of the Land Titling project; completion and furnishing of the NTC Secretariat at a cost of 69.7 million; improvement of hinterland roads to the tune of $5 billion, which will improve access, and the $500 million allocation to construct and equip ICT hubs in Amerindian villages and communities, bridging the digital divide.

The NTC also referenced the $1.4 billion allocation for improving water access through the continued upgrading and extension of water systems; $4.7 billion that will go towards programmes and initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples, and the $91.8 million allocation for the hosting of annual National Toshaos Conference.

All of those interventions and more show the government’s commitment to fulfilling its manifesto promises, while at the same time, bridging the gap between the coast and hinterland.

Now granted more resources as a result of the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, Amerindian leaders have more means to advance development directly through consultations with villagers and other key stakeholders.

In responding to questions surrounding the government’s intention regarding the utilisation of those funds, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was firm in his position that Guyana’s indigenous population are smart people who are more than capable of putting together village plans that cater to their own best interest; however, he acknowledged that the government will be more than willing to provide technical assistance to any village that requests such.

Amerindians and hinterland communities are an integral part of our national development process and even as the country is poised to benefit from higher levels of earnings, thanks to the emerging oil and gas sector, the government is committed to ensuring that such revenues are utilised to upgrade the physical and social infrastructure of communities in all the 10 regions of Guyana, including our hinterland and Amerindian communities.