The Government of Guyana allocated $1.3 billion in 2024 to empower indigenous youths through various training programmes and development opportunities, according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai.
This initiative, which engages nearly 2,759 youths aged 16 to 35 under the Community Service Officer (CSO) programme, highlights the government’s commitment to fostering human capital development in Amerindian communities.

Speaking earlier this week, Minister Sukhai revealed that the programme saw participation from approximately 840 males and over 1,000 females, reflecting a significant investment in youth empowerment and community development.
The Minister emphasized the CSO programme’s role in enhancing Amerindian human capital, noting, “This investment is not only about reimbursing them for their contribution to community development but also about equipping them with skills and knowledge to drive progress in their villages.”

In 2024, various training initiatives under the programme included:
Tourism and Hospitality: 62 youths from communities with emerging tourism products were trained to enhance their villages’ potential in the tourism sector.
Garment Construction: 124 participants were taught to sew school uniforms, complementing the government’s $5,000 school uniform grant for each child.
Small Engine Repairs: 120 youths received technical training in this field.

Tractor Driving and Maintenance: 110 participants were equipped with skills for operating and maintaining tractors.
Business Proposal Writing: 44 youths learned to craft business proposals, supporting Village Councils and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Craft Production: 40 individuals were trained to preserve traditional Amerindian craft-making skills.

Shade House Management: 44 youths were introduced to shade house farming techniques, aligning with the establishment of 111 shade houses in Indigenous communities over the past two years.
Minister Sukhai explained, “We have already begun training so that the young people can operationalize the shade houses as they are assembled. The Ministry of Agriculture will assist in managing and completing them efficiently.”

Youth Engagement in Village Development
Under the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, Amerindian youths are encouraged to work as apprentices within their Village Councils, contributing to various fields such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and environmental conservation. Minister Sukhai described their involvement as “critical at this point in time” for advancing village development.

She added, “It’s an investment in youth. Our government holds youth development close to its heart, and the investment has seen significant growth in the last four to five years.”

Supporting Sports Development
In addition to the $1.3 billion allocated to youth programmes, $100 million was dedicated to youth and sports development in Amerindian communities in 2024. The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs also collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport to promote sports initiatives in these regions.

Minister Sukhai underscored that these efforts aim to ensure that indigenous youths are actively engaged and equipped with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities and Guyana’s overall development.