— three locations being considered for construction, Minister Browne says

AMERINDIAN Affairs Minister Sarah Browne has said that government will be investing $500 million to begin construction of a new Amerindian hostel in Georgetown, with three potential locations currently under consideration.
The minister was at the time responding to a series of questions from APNU Member of Parliament Juretha Fernandes in the Committee of Supply, where the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs was being examined.
Browne said that while there is no specific line item in the budget dedicated to hostels in the administrative regions, funds have been set aside under a broader allocation to address upgrading works and new construction.
She clarified that the existing Amerindian hostel on Princes Street will benefit from upgrades such as commercial-grade cupboards in all wards, repairs to parts of the ceiling, and the construction of walls and shelves in storage areas.
In addition to these upgrades, the minister confirmed that $500 million has been earmarked as initial funding to commence construction of a new Amerindian hostel building.
This sum will cover the public tendering process to hire a consultant, prepare detailed architectural and engineering drawings, including pile data, window specifications and other technical details, and allow for mobilisation to start construction.
Responding to Fernandes’ questions, Browne said the new facility is expected to accommodate at least 350 persons at any given time. The preliminary design envisages three wards including separate areas for male and female occupants, and a two-storey structure.
On the question of location, the minister said that three possible sites in Georgetown have been identified. These are situated along major highways to ensure easy access to hospitals and other essential services.
She noted that the lands fall under different state agencies, and that the process of acquisition or transfer would depend on which site is ultimately selected. Once a final decision is made, she assured MPs, the public will be informed.
APNU’s MP Ganesh Mahipaul also pressed for details on safety and modern building standards, including fire escapes, water sprinklers, fire extinguishers and other hazard‑mitigation systems. Browne stated that such provisions would be incorporated at the detailed design stage by the consultant engaged through the public tendering process.
Browne reiterated that the $500 million allocation is primarily intended to move the project from a preliminary concept to a fully designed and mobilised construction phase, positioning the new Amerindian hostel as a modern, safer and more accessible facility for hinterland residents travelling to the capital.