–gov’t will continue to make crucial investments; 203 more communities to be fully connected to the internet soon, Minister Sukhai says

MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Monday, highlighted to Indigenous leaders from across the country that upholding the tenets of accountability and transparency is critical to the effective leadership of their villages and the development of same.
Sukhai made those remarks at the opening ceremony of the National Toshao’s Council (NTC) conference which is being held this week at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre under the theme, “Astute Leadership for Amerindian Development.”
“Accountability and transparent leadership must be upheld to avoid extending far too much time and resources on resolving grievances. The requirement of the law on financial reporting must be upheld,” she said.
Further, Sukhai advised the NTC to impress upon its membership the need to address issues of financial reporting to their people.

She reminded them that a responsibility of the village council is to manage the resources of the village and to administer the affairs of the people.
The minister went on to add that the government will continue to invest in and support Amerindian villages, and said that the ministry remains committed to delivering training and empowerment sessions to leaders across the country, and while many leaders have already benefitted, a more aggressive session will be executed soon.

On the point of continued support, she said that the ministry continues to advance its annual programme to support agriculture, women, tourism, infrastructure, transportation, youth and students among other areas of investments in Indigenous villages.
Sukhai told the gathering that investment grants are a key feature of the government’s financial support and investment in villages.
She pointed out that they continue to provide presidential grants and other investment grants to various communities.

“I wish to point out that since 2020 there has been a reversal of the neglect which is pervasive in many of the villages, both in the hinterland and in the riverine communities,” Sukhai said.
Additionally, she reminded the conference that the transformation taking place in villages across the hinterland has seen the replenishment of household solar systems as the government has invested in over 30,000 solar panel household systems.
While there are still some communities awaiting their deliveries of these systems, the government has taken note of same and will cater for them very soon.
Meanwhile, Sukhai said that the government is aggressively pursuing connectivity to the internet under the Office of the Prime Minister.

She related: “In a couple of short months from now, I know that we will be able to complete the batch of 203 villages fully connected to the internet; this will open up a wider range of opportunities to our hinterland population.”
Sukhai indicated that the government has made it clear that it will continue to engage the population and will have dialogue and conversations with them.

Additionally, she said that it is important to highlight that in no other country could they find the Head of State and Cabinet sitting and engaging with the Indigenous people deliberating, discussing and making commitments together.