From country’s resources, Amerindian, hinterland communities to benefit fully

The government has allocated $4.7B GUY towards their development and millions more in the health, education, infrastructure and social services sectors, as Amerindians will see their lives being improved.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai gave this assurance day three of the budget debates at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Wednesday.

Minister Sukhai told the National Assembly that the government has a vested interest in ensuring that hinterland and Amerindian communities benefit from all resources and programmes that will improve their lives.

It was noted that among the many initiatives in the 2023 budget is $500M GUY that will go towards advancing land titling in Amerindian communities. This will ensure Amerindian communities have absolute ownership of their lands.

It was noted that in 2022, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry delivered seven village extensions and five Certificates of Title to Amerindian communities.

“The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be pursuing 19 demarcations and 11 land extensions, far more than the zero which the APNU+AFC delivered to the Amerindians,” minister Sukhai pointed out.

It was revealed that an additional $500M GUY is earmarked to continue construction and equipping of ICT hubs in the various Amerindian communities in 2023.

Further, $205M GUY has been allocated for women, culture and preservation of Amerindian languages.

As such, to support Amerindian leaders, a sum of $147M GUY has been earmarked for the completion of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Secretariat and to also furnish the facility.

The minister pointed out that the $781.9B GUY budget will not only benefit hinterland and Amerindian communities, but all Guyanese.

“This budget will meet the immediate needs of our nation while securing the future of the Guyanese people. It cements the gaps to realising a ‘One Guyana,” the minister stated. 

The minister, during her speech also reminded of the APNU+AFC administration’s failures with regards to Amerindian development from the period 2015 to 2020.

“Upon return to office, the PPP/C government met a plethora of issues that affected our indigenous people. These range from indiscriminate neglect and stagnant village economies, all the way to the pause of land titling for our first people,” she revealed.

It was disclosed that some 1,972 Community Service Officers (CSOs) were dismissed by the APNU+AFC, denying $700M GUY from the pockets of Amerindian youths.

“Today, 2,500 young people are fully engaged again, and are receiving an income so they can help put food on their tables,” minister Sukhai said.

It was disclosed that the programme was not only reinstated but the number is expected to increase to 3,000 in 2023, creating 500 more jobs for Amerindian youths.

Also, no training was conducted with Amerindian leaders, and no land titling activities were conducted by the APNU+AFC government.

Additionally, the minister pointed out that since assuming office, the PPP/C Administration has reinstated several programmes that seek to improve the lives of Amerindians.