Georgetown: Over the last two decades, Government has been significantly investing in the lives of Amerindians, implementing policies and programmes aimed at enhancing their individual lives and transforming village economy.
However, persons have been criticising Government in this regard, and questioning whether the Amerindians are capable of managing funds provided to them.
During the commissioning of the first project to be completed under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Guyana Redd + Investment Fund, (GRIF) on Saturday at Santa Aratack village, Region Three, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai reassured Amerindians of Government’s confidence in investing in their lives. “I want to assure you that the Government has full confidence in the Amerindian people and their leaders and that is why we have continued over the last two decades to ensure that resources the country has for expending on development projects across our country, that we have ensured that Amerindians benefit,” Minister Sukhai noted.
This project, “The Santac Tours and Travel” is one of 27 which received funding last year during the first phase of implementation of the Community Development Plans (CDPs). The project is intended to secure livelihood options for Amerindians in approximately 180 communities.
Minister Sukhai noted that this is evidence that Amerindians have the ability to manage the resources that are being made available to them. “It is resounding evidence and a call for other villages to follow suit, and it is also evidence to those who feel that investment funds placed in Amerindians' hands go to waste. I sit at various meetings and there are questions on whether the indigenous people are capable of spending funds provided for them… It just goes to show that people do not have confidence in the investment government is making in the lives of Amerindians,” Minister Sukhai stressed.
Speaking on eco-tourism, Minister Sukhai said Amerindians should take the lead in this regard and make use of the area’s potential.
The CDP is expected to be a catalyst for transforming village economy. “This will also send a strong message to those who over the last three years tried to stymie the level of funding that is geared to reach the Amerindians…there continues to be an attack on the government with respect to all the developments thus far that we have been able to roll out to our people, Minister Sukhai added.
National Toshaos Council (NTC) Chair, Derrick John noted that the Santa Aratack project shows the Amerindians have the ability to utilise funding wisely. “People may think that Amerindian people do not have the capacity to implement and manage funds. I am very disgusted as the NTC chair when I hear these things…we are capable enough to execute the projects that are given to us, we will continue to promote, utilise and make the best use of all these resources that are being made available to us,” NTC Chair said.
He expressed gratitude to the Government for its continuous support and investment in the lives of the Amerindian people.
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