– President Ali says
-CSOs stipend raised to $40,000

WHILE the Government of Guyana has made significant advancements in developing Indigenous communities across the country, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said that there is an even greater need to bridge the gaps that exist.

The Head of State made these remarks on Sunday evening at the Amerindian Heritage Month cultural extravaganza, which was held at the National Park to mark the beginning of Amerindian Heritage Month, which will be celebrated under the theme, ‘Many Voices, One Song, Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024’.

According to the President, the richness of the culture, and the important role played in upholding the traditions of the Amerindians and the safeguarding of the environment is what places Guyana as one of the most advanced countries in relation to the protection and celebration of Indigenous culture.

Whether it be the legislation, the land that is protected for the Indigenous Peoples, budgetary allocations, and freedom of expression among other things, President Ali said that Guyana is doing an outstanding job in honouring to the greatest degree, the Indigenous Peoples of this nation.

“There is no other country that can point to the type of reforms and investment we have made in honouring our Indigenous Peoples and our Amerindians,” he said.

With this, he said that Guyana may now be in a position where knowledge can be shared and the country cited for best practices for creating an enabling environment that bridges the gaps.

However, President Ali iterated, “It is necessary for us to understand that when it comes to our indigenous brothers and sisters, there is indeed a greater gap that must be bridged, and that is why, per capita, we have to invest more, so that gap can be bridged faster and faster.”
As such, he highlighted that the government has been doing just that, as from 2020 to now, almost $60 billion has been invested in Amerindian villages across the country, thereby strengthening their local economies.

These, he added, account for investments in their cultural heritage, education and healthcare among other critical things.

Giving specifics, the Head of State said major investments have been made in telemedicine in the indigenous communities, and has led to Guyana being one of the leading destinations in the region in this regard.

Just a week ago, he said, some 25 new sites were added to hinterland communities in various parts of the country.

In these communities, President Ali said residents no longer have to dream of secondary education, as the government continues to work aggressively to ensure 100 per cent access to secondary education, and with further investments in technology to also achieve 100 per cent access to university education.

Additionally, he noted that more than 20 per cent of all Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships go to indigenous youths.

“Make no mistake, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government will continue to make these critical investments for you,” President Ali expressed.

Further to this, he said that the government has been able to build and restore hope, create a resilient future, and, most importantly, see the integration of communities.

On the point of continuing to invest in the well-being of those in the indigenous communities, Dr. Ali said that the government, since entering office, has reinstated the Community Support Officers (CSOs).

As such, he announced that, with immediate effect, the stipend for these CSOs will be on par with the part-time workers employed by the government and increased to $40,000. Taking it a step further, senior counsellors who are community leaders and community development council leaders will now also earn $40,000.
“This will release tens of millions of dollars, again, additional money, into the community, but more importantly, it will let these leaders know that we value their service; that we recognise their service; that we acknowledge their service,” President Ali said.

The Head of state indicated that the government’s commitment is to continue to serve the people and the indigenous communities with honour and respect.