THREE Amerindian communities in Region 9 Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), over the weekend received assistance to further economic enterprises within their communities which depend on farming activities.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai while on a four-day visit to the region, delivered John Deere tractors costing $5.3M each to Crash Water, Katoonarib and Awarewanau.

The machines, in addition to advancing the agricultural venture in each community, will also be used for transport purposes, more so the produce from the farms to the villages and then to the market.

Government in a move to assist farmers across the country removed the duty from the cost of the tractors.
Sukhai advised that the tractors be used for the intended purposes and that the villages must seek to take care of them to ensure their longevity. She noted that the tractor being given to Katoonarib was to replace another that the ministry supplied to the village, but which it did not care.
Expressing disappointment over this situation, Sukhai explained that government sought to replace the vehicle because of the continued pleading of the Toshao and because it is cognisant of the potential that the village has with regard to its economic development.
“This investment is being made because government feels that people cannot take charge of their own development, and you cannot take charge of your development if you are vulnerable,” the minister told Katoonarib residents.
Government has been seeking to make Amerindian communities more self reliant by investing in sustainable economic ventures. There has been investment in farming tools and equipment, and the allocation of funds to create ventures in the case of the Community Development Project (CDPs.)
It has been providing vehicles- All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), minibuses, pick-ups, and boats to boost transportation and make life easier for Amerindians.