IN order to secure the ongoing benefits of strategic programmes and infrastructure development for Amerindians in 2024, Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister of Finance, articulated to the National Assembly on Monday that the Government of Guyana has allocated $9 billion to guarantee the fulfillment of these commitments.

The Senior Minister of Finance related that a total of $3.4 billion has been allocated for economic projects and the Presidential Grants (PG) programme, another $100 million to support the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, and an additional $800 million has been set aside to advance the land titling efforts, which are also designated.

Dr. Singh further related that with over 2,600 Community Service Officers (CSOs) in the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, the government is working on ensuring that they receive the skill training so that they can effectively serve the people of the regions. According to Dr. Singh, an additional $1.2 billion is budgeted to ensure that this initiative is carried out in 2024.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh explained that in order to promote several projects in different villages, an additional $2.7 billion will be added to the economies of the communities through the carbon credit programme.

According to him, “We remain unwavering in our commitment to our Amerindian brothers and sisters and to delivering development to every single community in this country, irrespective of how far that community may be.”

In a press conference earlier this month, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, explained that more than $3 billion in carbon credit funds have been utilised in Amerindian communities. According to her, the Amerindian communities are undergoing ‘tremendous change’ as a result of the funds raised from the sale of carbon credits.

Minister Sukhai emphasised that the Indigenous communities have the freedom to allocate the funds in ways they deem suitable for advancing their community’s progress. Additionally, she mentioned the existence of established accountability measures. Minister Sukhai emphasised that her ministry had not found any instances of fund mismanagement that would warrant their involvement.

Additionally, according to the Amerindian Affairs Minister, elected villagers at the village level have established independent oversight committees. These committees serve the purpose of investigating the activities of the village council.

Guyana is expected to receive US$750 million from the first sale of carbon credits to Hess Corporation; 15 percent of the proceeds will go towards funding village-led initiatives that support indigenous people.

The positive impact on Indigenous communities in Guyana is demonstrated by the carbon credit funds’ dedication to openness and community-driven development.
A total of 4.7 billion dollars from carbon credit funds were invested in 242 communities in 2024 and this programme will continue in 2024.

In 2023, approximately $8.9 billion was allocated and expended on a range of development projects in Guyana’s hinterland, remote areas, riverine settlements, and Amerindian communities.
(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com