A GROUP of Toshaos from the South Rupununi district have formally declared their support for President, Dr Irfaan Ali and the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), expressing their full confidence in the administration’s leadership ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Speaking on behalf of the group, several Indigenous leaders said they are backing President Ali for a second term, citing the government’s strong track record of delivering on promises made in its manifesto.

“The government deserves our support as they have delivered all the promises they made during their manifesto. As leaders we have had comprehensive discussion with the President and we are satisfied with our future with the PPP/C is secured [sic],” one leader said.

The endorsement follows what the Toshaos described as “comprehensive discussions” with the President and senior government officials.

According to the leaders, the meetings reassured them of the administration’s dedication to Indigenous development, especially in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities.

Earlier this year, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, had announced that $4.7 billion was allocated to Amerindian villages in 2024 under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The funding benefitted approximately 254 communities across the country, marking a significant investment in the development and empowerment of Amerindian villages.

Minister Sukhai highlighted that since 2020, there have been notable changes at the village level, driven by the ministry’s commitment to advancing land titling, improving education, health, water, and infrastructure, revitalising the Community Service Officer (CSO) programme and increasing presidential grants.

In 2024 alone, $395.1 million was allocated as presidential grants to the villages and funded a range of tangible and beneficial projects.

Minister Sukhai emphasised that these grants have instilled a sense of ownership among villagers, as they actively construct, produce, and participate in the projects.

One of the key areas of investment has been food security, with more than 40 projects implemented nationwide.