PRESIDENT of The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG), Mr. Peter Persaud has also dismissed the recent derogatory statement by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Sydney Allicock, in the National Assembly as “totally regressive and uncalled for.”

In his presentation, during debate on the 2013 National Budget last Wednesday, Allicock, the Parliamentary Representative of Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), described Rupununi as the “most backward place in the Caribbean.”
However, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Persaud, too, joined in castigating Allicok over the controversy, declaring that the assertion is the reflection of “a backward mind” and that Allicock should be condemned by the people of the Rupununi, as well as tourism operators in the country.
“He (Allicock) has been engaged in tourism activities and, to make such a statement is totally counterproductive to what he has been involved in. I think he has defeated that purpose and the people of Rupununi must come out and condemn him,” Persaud said.
He indicated that TAAMOG fully supports the 2013 National Budget, noting that it is a reflection of very good management of Guyana’s national economy.
Persaud added that this year’s Budget is all embracing and inclusive, pointing out that within it are allocations for the development of the Amerindian communities.
Consistent allocations
“We have noted that the current government has, consistently, been emphasising its commitment to the Amerindian people of Guyana. There have been consistent allocations of funds for Amerindian people’s development and, so far, in our view development is taking place,” he stated.
Persaud acknowledged that there have been vast changes in Amerindian communities since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) became the government in 1992.
He said, prior to then, there was “darkness and doom or gloom” in the Amerindian communities.
“The previous government never focused on Amerindian people’s development like what we have now and I think this is where the problem lies, because they have recognised that the Government of Guyana is pursuing development all across the Amerindian communities,” he charged.
Persaud alluded to a number of developmental programmes being implemented in all communities of Guyana and said, although the country is not rich, there is, nevertheless, provision in the Budget for everyone within.
In addition, he expressed the view that the implementation of community developmental plans will bring about the development of Amerindian villages and, eventually, lead to the developing of village economies throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Persaud noted that there are allocations for land titling, demarcation and extension of land which would bring about the completion of those activities for which the Amerindian people have been calling.
Additionally, he observed that training for youths in the hinterland has also been addressed in the 2013 Budget.
“We cannot say that the government is not focusing on the Amerindian youth. This is happening, but we have to understand that we have constraints. The Government of Guyana has to look at every sector in this country and the wealth of this country has to be evenly divided,” Persaud said.