Georgetown – Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai during one of a series of broadcasts on the National Communication Network (NCN), pointed out that the 2011 National Budget reflects Government’s commitment towards enhancing social and economic development.
She added that while it cuts across race, religion and locations; it is an all inclusive Budget which focuses on various components of national development and social cohesion.
Minister Sukhai said that through the implementation of special programmes to foster development, Amerindians were provided in 2010 with opportunities to address their needs and further foster development.
She added that the Ministry last year was successful in implementing its programmes. As it relates to the National Secure Livelihood Programme, 200 farmers in 15 communities benefited from the programme.
The Hinterland Scholarship Programme has been significantly boosted as large sums continue to be injected by government to prepare particularly the youths for a technologically-advanced future.
A significant development was the commissioning of a $94.5M dormitory at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, which has the capacity to house approximately 160 hinterland students.
The issue of land demarcation was also emphasised by the Minister who pointed out that this is nearing completion while the issue of extensions will be addressed shortly.
Thirty-six communities have applied for extensions and eight have been addressed by the Ministry, while the remaining 28 will be addressed this year.
