BUDGET 2024 stands as a true testament to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to Amerindian development and the overall prosperity of Guyanese citizens with sustainable development and inclusivity at the forefront of its agenda.

This is according to PPP/C parliamentarian Yvonne Pearson who made a spirited contribution to the National Budget Debate 2024 last week.

In her fiery presentation, she highlighted the transformative changes taking place under the PPP/C administration and dispelled misconceptions about the treatment of indigenous communities.

Pearson began by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the PPP/C-led government in crafting Budget 2024, aptly themed: “Staying the course, building prosperity for all.”

She expressed gratitude to the Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh and his team for their contributions in shaping this pivotal budget.

The parliamentarian used a portion of her presentation to remind her colleagues in the opposition of the challenging circumstances the PPP/C government inherited in 2020. She described the state of the country at that time as one of “destruction.”

Pearson, who is the Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka, Region Two, outlined the government’s strategic approach to recovery and steadfastly facing all challenges in the years to come.

She emphasised the importance of unity in achieving President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” vision.

Pearson also addressed concerns raised by opposition members regarding the welfare of indigenous peoples, particularly their shocking claim of high poverty rates.

In response, she challenged the opposition to explain their own efforts to alleviate the alleged indigenous poverty during their party’s tenure in office.

“We are in the front line, and we will operate as though we are in the front line. We have a voice, people listen to us, but we must come with facts and the truth,” Pearson asserted.

She criticised the mishandling of funds from carbon sales during the previous administration, stressing that these funds were meant to be invested in economic opportunities for indigenous communities to enhance development, create jobs and ensure food security.

Pearson urged the opposition to educate themselves on the Amerindian Act, which grants indigenous communities the right to govern their villages and manage their affairs.

Pearson also corrected misinformation regarding the stipends received by toshaos (indigenous village leaders), emphasising that the figures presented by the opposition were inaccurate.

Turning her attention to the budget’s content, Pearson highlighted the significant strides made in agriculture, particularly in the Pomeroon area.

She cited successful initiatives, including drainage and irrigation projects, the cultivation of high-value crops, and the establishment of cage fishing in several indigenous villages. She also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of young women who are actively involved in these projects and mentioned the positive impact on the communities.

Furthermore, Pearson lauded the government’s initiatives in education, health, and access to electricity through solar panels, underscoring the improvements made in the healthcare system and the supply of medicines to indigenous communities.

Pearson expressed her confidence in Budget 2024, stating that it represents a testament of the PPP/C government’s commitment to Amerindian development and the prosperity of all Guyanese citizens.

She reaffirmed that the foundation had been set, and the government was resolutely staying the course to build a better future for the nation.

To secure the ongoing benefits of strategic programmes and infrastructural development for Amerindians in 2024, an allocation of $9 billion has been set aside in this year’s budget to fulfil these commitments.

These funds are designated for economic projects, the Presidential Grants (PG) programme, support for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, and land titling efforts.

Furthermore, the government plans to provide skills training for over 2,600 Community Service Officers (CSOs) across Guyana’s regions to enhance their effectiveness in serving the people.

The carbon credit programme will also inject an additional $2.7 billion into indigenous communities, promoting various projects and contributing to their economic growth.

A total of $4.7 billion from these funds was invested in 242 communities in 2023, and this investment will continue in 2024.

In 2023, approximately $8.9 billion was allocated and expended on various development projects in Guyana’s hinterland, remote areas, riverine settlements, and Amerindian communities.