– Minister Browne-Shadeek says
– urges Indigenous communities to tap new financing opportunities for larger-scale investments

THE establishment of the Guyana Development Bank is expected to open new avenues for Indigenous entrepreneurs to access financing and undertake larger-scale investments, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, has said.
The Minister made these remarks while on a recent episode of the Starting Point podcast, during which she described the Development Bank as a potential game changer for indigenous communities, noting that it will provide an avenue for financing that was previously unavailable to many persons in the hinterland.
She said Indigenous people should take advantage of the opportunity to move beyond smaller-scale initiatives and explore investments capable of generating sustainable returns and creating employment within their communities.
“We now can borrow coming from having no avenue to now we can borrow $3 million,” the Minister said, while encouraging Indigenous communities to carefully consider how they can use the financing to build sustainable enterprises.
Browne-Shadeek said President Dr Irfaan Ali has been encouraging Indigenous people to organise themselves into groups to access financing and undertake larger projects that can generate meaningful returns.
Among the areas identified for investment is transportation, particularly in hinterland communities where access to reliable transport remains critical.
She pointed to Region Eight, where all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are among the main modes of transportation because of the distances and terrain involved. Boat services and other forms of transportation also remain important to communities, creating opportunities for young people to establish businesses while providing essential services to residents.
The Minister also referenced the potential for investments in tunnel houses and other productive ventures, urging young people to carefully assess the opportunities available and make informed investment decisions.
Browne-Shadeek further indicated that Indigenous communities are not being left behind as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, pointing to the range of support already available through the Amerindian Development Fund, the Low Carbon Development Strategy and other government programmes.
She said the availability of Development Bank financing will now add another avenue through which Indigenous entrepreneurs can pursue larger investments and contribute to economic activity in their communities.
The Minister encouraged young Indigenous entrepreneurs to “make the best out of this opportunity”, as she highlighted the importance of using the new financing avenue strategically to build sustainable businesses and generate long-term benefits for their communities.