-boats, vehicles, farming materials among items bought; block-making factory, other facilities built

THE $4.7 billion that government has received from Hess Corporation for the sale of 30 per cent of Guyana’s forest has contributed significantly to the development and prosperity of hundreds of Indigenous villages across Guyana.

Recently, the Guyana Chronicle was informed of how the disbursements to three of those villages have transformed the lives of residents.

Speaking to this publication via telephone, Delph Hunter, the Toshao of Imbaimadai, a remote village in Region Seven said that the lives of the locals have been significantly improved with the carbon-credit funds which were received from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in 2023.

He said that half of the $24 million sum was used to purchase two 40-horsepower outboard engines, two 40-foot boats and one All-Terrain vehicle (ATV) for the community.

He explained that while they have not yet received the ATV, they are optimistic that the wait will be over soon. He said that this vehicle will help solve transportation woes in the community.

According to the toshao, the remaining $12 million is in the bank and will be used in various ways to advance the development of the village where most of the 700 residents rely on farming, fishing and hunting to earn a living. Ground provisions and other traditional and non-traditional vegetables are grown by the residents.

He disclosed that with the ATV, they will be able to venture further into the swamplands to establish more farms. Because of the swampy conditions, getting to the farmlands is often difficult.

Noting that they have titles for the lands in the village, he said that due to the soil composition, only certain crops can grow. This has increased the need for fertilisers to help farmers boost their production and protect their crops.

The village leader explained that the remaining money will be used to establish an ICT hub, boost farming and construct a dining hall for the school children.

Hunter reported that the only educational facility in the village is a primary school which houses about 100 pupils. He added that the nearest secondary school is at Waramadong, which is two days of travel by vehicle.

LAKE CAPOEY

Meanwhile, Toshao Ralph Hendricks of Lake Capoey in Region Two told the Guyana Chronicle that they too received a disbursement in 2023. So far, a multi-purpose hall and a block-making have been built and the construction of a pavilion and a sanitary block has commenced.

He related that the hollow block-making facility provides employment for two persons and the villagers no longer have to buy blocks from outside the community.

Hendricks added that they were in dire need of a multi-purpose hall for meetings and other events and through the carbon-credit funds, they now have one.

He disclosed that they have also purchased a bucket for the village tractor which will aid in various community enhancement projects.

The toshao said he and the residents are very grateful for monies received.

According to him, for the past 21 years, Lake Capoey has seen its fair share of development and they remain optimistic that more will follow.

Hendricks reported that with the COVID-19 cash grant, the village council constructed a walkway from the guesthouse to the lake top and they are hoping to expand the three-room guesthouse.

“Without the carbon-credit fund, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much and it is beneficial for us all here in Lake Capoey. Our lives have been improved considerably,” he said.

WHITEWATER

Toshao of Whitewater, Deon Adams said that $17.5 million of the $35M received in 2023 was used to purchase two minibuses and a one canter truck for transportation purposes for residents.

Adams said the vehicles are being used to transport vendors and others to and from Kumaka Market in Mabaruma and also school children.

He stated that the remainder of the money is in the bank

Adams told the Guyana Chronicle that the new vehicles have provided permanent employment for five persons (drivers and conductors) and residents no longer suffer the burden of having to walk long distances or pay high prices for transportation.

The village leader added that they also completed a project in August 2023 where a road was constructed through swamp lands stretching from Central Whitewater to Blackwater.

Additionally, farmers received planting materials, chickens and feed and they also did repairs to some dwelling houses in the village.

Adams pointed out that the entire community is very happy to have received the money as a lot has already been done to improve their lives and the community.

“With the purchase of the buses and canter truck, the lives of the locals have been improved by 90 per cent and we are very thankful. It is much easier for commute,” he said.

Adams reported that it takes half an hour by vehicle when the red loam road is in good condition from Central Whitewater to Kumaka Market.

Whitewater has eight satellite villages which comprises of Whitewater Central, Arakuru, Blackwater, Western, Sickumaka, Bamboo Landing, Kurasima and Whitewater Mouth.