Government over the years has been accelerating the development of Amerindians through partnering with various organisations and the communities. These partnerships have seen the development of cottage industries, social services, education, health and housing among other sectors.
One of the most recent products of partnerships was the Princeville Community Development, Mainstay/ Whyaka, Region Two, where Government collaborated with Food for the Poor Inc and Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation to provide housing, commerce, education and water and sanitation in Mainstay/ Whyaka.
The project saw the construction of 65 houses and sanitary blocks and one trading store. In addition, the Lake Mainstay Primary School was rehabilitated and extended to house the nursery school and headteacher’s office. The project also involved the installation of two sanitation sets, and laying of pipes.
The community was officially inaugurated on Saturday with the attendance of Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai; Executive Director of Food for the Poor Guyana Leon Davis; Chairman of Food for the Poor Guyana Paul Chan-A-Sue; Food for the Poor Inc projects Director Mike Anton; Food for the Poor Inc Executive Director Angel Aloma; Chief Executive Officer of Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation Joseph Roetheli; Mainstay/ Whyaka Toshao Yvonne Pearson; Hinterland Coordinator Harripersaud Nokta; and Region Two Chairman Ali Baksh.
Minister Sukhai, addressing the gathering of villagers from Mainstay/ Whyaka and neighbouring communities, emphasised that the completion of such a significant project demonstrates the realities of strong leadership and partnerships.
She highlighted that Mainstay/ Whyaka is one of the leading Amerindian communities in the country, since it has pioneered improvements in social services and income generating activities. Minister Sukhai said the community’s pineapple industry is a model for other communities.
She observed that the community’s developments in social and economic ventures are occurring at a significant period in the country’s history. Guyana is rebuilding, reconstructing and extending its vision and Amerindians feature greatly in Government’s new development direction, Minister Sukhai emphasised.

She noted that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy highlighted the Amerindian way of life in working with the environment; and that over the years, Amerindians have been utilising the forest and forest resources in a sustainable manner.
Minister Sukhai further observed that President Jagdeo has already earmarked additional support for providing that pathway.
One of Government’s objectives is to bridge the gap of goods and services being offered on the coastland and in the hinterland region.
Executive Director of Food for the Poor Guyana, Leon Davis, observed that his institution has been in existence for 19 years.

Davis deemed the project “miraculous” because of the events which made it a success. He explained that the project took two months to complete and works have been done satisfactorily.
He emphasised that logs used to construct the homes were sourced from within the community, at approximately $11.5M. In addition, 12 residents from within the community were employed on the project. He further noted that a 56-man team was engaged in the project which cost $104M.
He noted that Food for the Poor has embarked on several housing projects, constructing in excess of 1,000 houses at various locations throughout the country. It has contributed to the development of five villages, the last three of which have become a reality with the collaboration of the Roetheli Lil’ Red Foundation.
Mr. Roetheli indicated that although the foundation wants to see the establishment of other villages to provide proper housing for families, it will focus on the three villages it has invested in to aid the creation of micro enterprises.
The communities have the resources and this will help them to maximize their potential, generate income and provide employment he said.
Pearson stressed that partnerships are necessary for progress. She explained that without partnership, the development of the community would not have been possible. She expressed confidence that the community will continue to grow and develop.(GINA)