THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has reported that its ongoing National Hinterland Secure Programme, aimed at improving the lives of indigenous people across Guyana, is moving apace and yielding results. Launched a few years ago, it is in line with its efforts to recognise, protect and affirm the collective and basic human rights of Amerindian villages and communities and being executed with the assistance of the British Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO).
The project also addresses the many challenges hindering economic development in those hinterland villages and communities countrywide.
Central to this scheme are the creation of employment opportunities and wealth, sustaining food security, income generation, economic diversification and secure livelihoods.
As such, the Ministry employed the services of six VSO specialists to stir economic development in Region One (Barima/Waini) and they have since been working as technical advisors in their respective fields and as entrepreneurs spearheading enterprises in the villages.
There were also twelve community based volunteers to assist the VSOs in their individual areas, which included agriculture, pest management, food technology, business development, marketing and finance and organisational development.
Successful
A report from the office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nigel Dharamall said the programme has been successful and made surprisingly good progress with regards to helping Amerindian people throughout Guyana.
It was also mentioned that, in accordance with the Amerindian Acts introduced a few years ago, the people have benefitted tremendously, had far better living conditions thus far, and have been more pleased as they are more recognised for their talents.
The implementations were approved by Cabinet in June of 2009 and an investment budget was approved by Ministry of Finance in October that year. Disbursements were deposited to the Account of the Ministry in the same year to begin execution.
As the process continues, the Ministry aims to help all Amerindian people deal with child abuse, child labour, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, birth certificate registration, illnesses requiring special care and human trafficking.
The Amerindian Residence Department works with individual patients, families and groups to deal with issues such as grief, loss, teen pregnancy and coping with their medical diagnosis.
Dharamall was unavailable but has promised to issue updates.