BETHANY, an Amerindian village located in Region Two, has used funds received under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to purchase an aluminum boat, which will provide essential transportation services for residents and visitors.

Village Toshao Sonia Latchman highlighted that the village’s growing status as a tourist destination has created an increased need for reliable transportation.

With the allocation of LCDS funds, Latchman sought to make a significant and sustainable investment, resulting in the purchase of a $3.2 million aluminum boat which has been named ‘Bethany Jewels.’

This new vessel will be used daily to transport 36 students to schools including Good Hope Primary, Anna Regina Secondary, Aurora Secondary, and Abrams Zuil Secondary.

The boat is equipped with glass panels, ensuring comfort for the children during their commute.

During a recent village meeting, the residents unanimously decided that a new boat was essential. It was based on this feedback that a boat was bought.

Latchman noted that while the village already has five boats, they are made of metal and wood, and she wanted to invest in a more durable, long-term solution.

“Bethany is developing and many tourists want to visit, so the boat will boost our transportation and will assist the children in getting to school,” Latchman told this publication.

The village also plans to generate revenue by using the boat to transport visitors, further contributing to the community’s economy.

Latchman expressed appreciation for the increased LCDS allocation to Amerindian communities, which has been raised to 26.5 per cent. It was previously 15 per cent.
At this year’s National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) conference, President, Dr Irfaan Ali announced the increase which will take effect this year and will benefit all Amerindian villages.

This increase, amounting to approximately $4.84 billion, will support development projects in 242 indigenous communities across Guyana. The 26.5 per cent allocation from carbon-credit sales is directly benefiting Amerindian and forest-based communities, significantly improving their social, economic, and environmental well-being.

For 2024, Bethany Village has benefited from an additional $24 million. A portion of this money will be used to build another boat specifically for primary school children, as well as to construct a multipurpose building and a sanitary block.