WITH a visionary plan set for implementation across all sectors, including policies that will drive enhancement, ensuring that Guyanese live and thrive in a society that amplifies their best interests, the Government of Guyana is focused on the upliftment of all.

This was indicated by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Sarah Browne-Shadeek, who spoke on these plans for a better, brighter future, especially for the Amerindian community.

In reflecting on these plans, the minister noted that while the Amerindian people are set to benefit from every sector, the announcements by President Dr. Irfaan Ali earlier this month, outlined specific benefits for them as well as those living in the hinterland. The plans also include investments in hinterland roads such as the one connecting Orealla to Corriverton, connecting Regions Eight to Nine, and the Lethem Road, all of which aim to propel development in our hinterland regions.

The minister pointed out that from 2020-2025, the government invested a total of $11.7 billion in village and community projects under the Amerindian Development Fund, while 253 villages with a total population of 107,622, benefitted from projects under the presidential grant.

Further, she underscored that what is important, and what the government strongly supports, is villages deciding how these resources will be used.

“Whether it’s in agriculture, ecotourism, small business development, craft production, or food security projects, we trust our people to chart their own path. We continue to invest in training, entrepreneurship and skills development, especially for Indigenous youth, because economic independence is key to long-term resilience,” the minister said.

In terms of Amerindian Land Titling, she said the government understands the importance of land tenure for Indigenous people and is leading the way regionally and internationally in this regard, continuing to advance the Amerindian land titling programme, addressing long-standing claims, granting extensions, and working transparently with village councils and Toshaos.

Minister Browne-Shadeek noted that from August 2020 to date, some 15 villages have been demarcated. Of these, 10 have received their certificates of title. This amounts to an additional 16,174 Amerindians having legal title to their land during the period 2020-2024.

“The Amerindian land titling project, from inception to date, has benefitted a total of 33,241 Amerindians with over 33,363 square miles of title land. Amerindian villages continue to receive direct financial resources, including presidential grants and funds from the national budget,” she shared.

Speaking on the Low Carbon Development Fund, the minister said that through the Low carbon Development Strategy, Amerindian villages are able to directly benefit from carbon credit revenues. These are regarded as a recognition of the Amerindians’ role in protecting one of the world’s most important forest ecosystems.

On its return to office in 2020, the government expanded the LCDS initiative. To date, $14.5 billion has been disbursed over the past three years with a disbursement of 15 per cent, 26.5 per cent, and 20 per cent respectively from the carbon credit earnings under the low-carbon development strategy, now benefitting 248 Amerindian villages.

The minister noted that the government remains committed to ensuring that these resources support sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and village-led development, while at the same time preserves the environment for future generations.

Education, another powerful tool for transformation, is being expanded in Amerindian communities, expanding access to quality education in hinterland villages. This includes improved school facilities, trained teachers, and learning resources that strengthen scholarship programmes, student dormitories and transportation.

Additionally, as it relates to Community Service Officers (CSOs), the government rehired 2,000 persons and included an additional 759 persons. According to the minister, they have seen CSOs rise in leadership as mayors, deputy mayors and toshaos. They have also used training opportunities to open businesses and become young professionals, such as healthcare workers and teachers.

Investments continue to be made in the healthcare sector with much focus being placed on health centres, trained medical personnel, emergency transport, and, of course, telemedicine.

Over the next five years, the government will continue investing in a world-class healthcare, with regional hospitals built in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and special attention being given to maternal and child health, mental wellness, and preventative care, the minister said