Amerindian Affairs Minister – Gov’t has restored hope to Region 8

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday criticized the former administration
for what she dubbed as “neglecting” residents of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Sukhai was at the time concretising the need to pass Budget 2022 as she spoke during day four
of the budget debates, as presented in the National Assembly. The minister said that $100M was
spent on road maintenance alone in Region Eight in 2022. She noted that the project revived the
region’s ailing economy which suffered from gross neglect prior to 2020.
Sukhai told the National Assembly that marginalisation of Region Eight is over since the PPP/C
has returned to government. “I want to say that over the last five years we’ve been championing
support for that region and there was none forthcoming. There are very many sad stories in
Region Eight, particularly in the North Pakaraimas and I continue as a Member of Parliament to
travel the terrain and also bring hope to those communities. And all those communities will be
treated in similar fashion as any other community across this country under the budget,” she
declared.
The Amerindian affairs minister disclosed that so far, the region has benefitted from improved
schools, the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Paramakatoi, roads and health centres
along with health quarters in Karisparu. She stressed that it will be furthered in 2022, as
government takes development across the length and breadth of Guyana. “In this year Mr.
Speaker, Region Eight will expect extension of the Kato Secondary School. We will be looking
at Sand Hills which is found in the Waipa community, their health centre. A spanking new
medical facility which is referred to as a smart hospital will be provided to that population and
we will also continue to support the building of bridges over at Monkey Creek, at Karisparu and
Kaibarupai. Those are areas that are very difficult to meet,” Sukhai said.
Minister Sukhai assured that there will be no marginalisation or segregation of Guyanese under
the PPP/C Government. “What I’m demonstrating here, Mr Speaker is that the APNU/AFC
Government had five years to do similar work and in one year we have been able to bring back
comfort and hope to that once forgotten region,” Sukhai said.
She admitted that she regularly visits Region Eight villages. Sukhai added that residents have
received tractors, sewing machines, brush cutters, and boat and engines, among other items to
assist in their development.