YUPUKARI, Region Nine, has seen a tremendous increase in investment in agriculture, education, and water infrastructure through funding received under Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
This is according to Toshao Russian Dorrick during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) about the development projects being implemented in the communities.
The Toshao is also responsible for the communities of Qwatata, Kaicumbay, and Fly Hill.
He said the funding available to Amerindian communities has increased the scope of projects that can be undertaken as compared to previous presidential grants.
“In 2015, we could have only received a presidential grant of $1.5 million. Of course, that couldn’t do any much work. Recently, we introduced the low-carbon development strategy, which Amerindian communities benefitted from 15 per cent, which we have seen improvement in Yupukari,” Dorrick said.
The funds have been used to support several initiatives, including agriculture and economic activities.
Dorrick said seven projects were undertaken to cultivate watermelon, creating employment and income opportunities for residents.
Additionally, approximately $4.8 million was utilised to drill a well to improve access to water in the area.
The village drilled two more wells and installed trestles to provide water to outlying communities that currently are not benefitting from potable water infrastructure.
Further, using the 2025 presidential grant, the village also cultivated two acres of cassava to support its local cassava-processing operations.
“We have cassava processing in our community. So, to feed our processing, we would have planted, and by next month I think we will be able to harvest that and start to make kari for the Heritage celebration,” Dorrick said.
Meanwhile, Education has also been a priority, with the village contributing $1 million towards the nursery school and a further $500,000 to the new secondary school.
Dorrick said the completion of the projects impacted community development.
“All of my projects for 2025 have been completed, which I’m very happy about, and I can testify that I commissioned them and they are functional,” he said.
He said the continued investment is providing communities with the resources needed to strengthen agriculture, improve public services, and create greater economic opportunities for residents.
Yupukari is an indigenous Macushi and Wapishana village in the Central Rupununi (Region Nine) of Guyana, situated along the Rupununi River between the Kanuku and Pakaraima Mountains.
It is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. The government, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has emphasised self-empowerment, job creation, and development by continuing to support their progress through LCDS funds and other government incentives. (DPI)