–Minister Sukhai says

IN the past four years, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has undertaken a number of integral development projects in Amerindian/hinterland communities to improve the lives of indigenous people throughout Guyana.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, in a recent video released by the Department of Public Information (DPI), highlighted some of these developments.

She said a significant number of interventions have been rolled out, which, today, have resulted in stronger village economies and development, and the Amerindian people’s livelihood and welfare being more visible.

It was stated that the government invested 15 per cent of the revenues it received from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, in hinterland communities. Thus far for 2024, $2.7 billion was invested in Amerindian and riverine communities, while an estimated $4.7 billion from carbon credit sales was invested in more than 800 community projects.

The minister noted that it is amazing to see how the carbon credit disbursements of monies to village councils are being utilised.

In 2023, a total of six villages received their land titles. These villages were Four Miles, Capoey Extension, Mashabo Extension, Akawini, Wakapao, and Paramakatoi.

Further, $147 million was expended to construct the National Toshaos’ Council Secretariat at Sophia, Georgetown.

Moreover, it was highlighted that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs created employment opportunities for more than 2,000 youths as Community Service Officers. It was revealed that their total earnings were expected to be $1 billion. Another 2000 Amerindian youths were also employed through the government’s part-time job initiative.

Meanwhile, 170 tractors and trailers were gifted to Amerindian villages, together valuing some $700 million. This is in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s vision of tackling climate change, and creating a favourable environment for food security.

In the area of energy security, 20,000 solar systems were installed in several hinterland communities.

During his recent visit to Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), President Ali stated: “If you look at the impact and opportunities that these investments would have created in your community, it shows that we were able to work with you on delivering projects.”

The Head of State further highlighted that the government had invested in various areas across Guyana, including Amerindian communities, to bring back jobs that were lost under the former APNU+AFC administration and create livelihood opportunities.

President Ali had said: “Over the last four years, we have been able, as a government, to invest heavily in your community,” pointing out that $669 million has been invested under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, some $89million through the Ministry of Education, almost $54million through the Guyana Energy Agency, another $47 million through the Ministry of Health, and almost $18.5 million via the Ministry of Agriculture.

Additionally, a further sum of $50 million was invested by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, more than $90 million by the Ministry of Public Works, and $45 million by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to aid in the development of Amerindian communities. (Faith Greene)