-Toshao Andrews highlights his sustainable development plan as village gears up for internal elections
-pledges to continue fighting for opportunities for all
THE dark cloud that was hindering the development of Pakuri Village in Region Four (previously known as St Cuthbert’s Mission) has disappeared as it is now undergoing an unprecedented transformation, according to Toshao Timothy Andrews.
In an interview with the Sunday Chronicle, the Toshao explained that owing to carefully articulated policies and programmes, the residents of Pakuri are seeing brighter days in almost all of the areas.
He said that under his leadership, Pakuri Village has seen over 30 projects which have contributed to its evolution.
Coupled with the support of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, the Toshao noted that, among some of these projects, the village’s generator has been upgraded from 115 kilo-Volt-Amperes (kVA) four-cylinder to 150 kVA six-cylinder and the building housing it has been renovated.
Further, under his leadership, the village’s electrification system is currently being upgraded and expanded.
Standing in unison with the commitment of the government to bridge the technological gap between indigenous communities and the rest of the world, the Toshao stated that an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub was built.
Following President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vow last year that Pakuri Village will be a model for integrated farms for small communities across the country, Toshao Andrews boasted that several agricultural projects have been rolled out.
According to him, a 40×60 shade house was constructed and the village has been pursuing pineapple cultivation.
He also noted that there was the resuscitation of the women’s group and the construction of a sewing and training centre.
On the topic of infrastructure, the village has benefitted from dozens of projects such as the upgrading of numerous roads to make accessibility for vehicles easier. He also mentioned that there were repairs done to both of the bridges that led to the “landing road.”
The Kurukubani bridge was also constructed and Toshao Andrews highlighted that there were repairs done to the Connabali bridge.
The construction of a cement bridge at the Taylor Creek area on the village’s main access road and three cement culverts were also executed. Security has also been bolstered as Toshao Andrews noted that more than 150 street lights have been installed.
The village’s well has also been upgraded under his leadership. With the village’s internal elections drawing near, Andrews is once again throwing his hat in the ring, this time with bigger plans if re-elected.
According to him, he plans to, “Capitalise on the sustainable projects that have started under my leadership within the past three years and implement new sustainable projects and of course continue to make representations for income generating, sustainable projects which are important to create jobs and keep our village economy on a positive path.”
Within his vision for a better Pakuri, he said that focus will be placed on all of the sectors. And as the village continues on the development road, Toshao Andrews has extended his gratitude to the current government for helping him take Pakuri to new heights.
“There are not enough words to explain or express how grateful I am to the PPP government. They have made my job as the Toshao easier, especially His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali [and] the relationship we have built shows the kind of president we have. They have delivered for my village and my fellow Amerindian brothers and sisters across the county, from the yearly PG grant, 2022 $3 billion supplementary that was allocated for Amerindian development [and] the 15 per cent LCDS benefit sharing programme for Amerindian development is worthy and important to mention and these are just a few to mention,” he stated.
However, he pointed out that the promotion of development was absent under the previous government.
“…It’s not worth comparing [the PPP/C government] with APNU time in office, it was more fighting for survival; like a dark cloud over us,” he said.
With the Opposition suddenly developing care and concern for Amerindians and even attempting to paint the government in an unflattering light, Toshao Andrews has stated that their criticisms are not based on facts.
