Government disburses $92M to Amerindian Communities in Region 10

NINE AMERINDIAN COMMUNITIES in Upper Demerara – Berbice (Region Ten) received
a total of $92M as a one-time combined COVID and Community cash grants recently.
Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill handed over the financial support at Watooka Guest
House in Linden, the capital of the strategically-placed, mineral-rich Administrative Region.
Senior Regional and government figures, including Toshaos, witnessed the handing-over
ceremony.
Beneficiaries of the Community grant had to hold village meetings and consultations with the
villagers prior to project approvals. Paper work had to reflect the project proposals, detailed
estimates, minutes of meetings and names of attendees which were submitted to the Ministry of
Amerindian Affairs.
When finished, a report including a Certificate of Completion along with photographic evidence
and copies of receipts handed over to the subject Ministry.
COVID Cash Grant beneficiaries were: Hururu, $10M; Wikki Calcuni, $10M; Wiruni $10M;
Kimbia, $7M; Sand Hills, $10M; Rockstone, $5M; Great Falls, $5M; Malali, $10M; and
Mauritaro, $10M.
The $15M earmarked for River’s View Village will be handed over in Region Seven (Cuyuni –
Mazaruni) because it is closer to that Region.
In his address, Edghill, deputising for Amerindian Affairs Minister, Ms. Pauline Sukhai,
reiterated the administration’s commitment to development of communities across the political
spectrum.
He framed the joint handing over ceremony as proof of the incumbent’s continued commitment
to Amerindians, urging their leaders to practice transparency and accountability in distributing
the funding made available through the Ministries of Amerindian Affairs and Finance.
The Community grants are designed to help create sustainable employment to help buttress the
communities as a buffer against the raging global COVID-19 pandemic which has killed over
two million global and 176 in Guyana.

Toshao of Rockstone receiving his community’s cheque from Minister Edghill

“We initiated measures to ensure, number one, that the impact of COVID-19 is cushioned and,
number two, to ensure that your village economies don’t suffer and your livelihoods destroyed,”
Minister Edghill said explaining the government’s thinking behind the twin financial backing.
“Anything that would assist the community with jumpstarting its economy, I think, is
noteworthy. The amount given, I think, can assist the process,” Toshao of Rockstone, Mr. Flagan
Carter said in response to Edghill’s remarks.
Carter disclosed that the funds will be used to complete a multipurpose structure in the village.
Wikki Calcuni’s Toshao, Mr. Kent Campbell, was elated over the prospects of the impact the
$10M support will have in his community. Some of the funds will help fix dilapidated bridges
within his community, the relieved community leader said.
“I think this is great! I must say thanks to the Government for this grant that they gave us and we
do hope that it will enhance our community a lot. We are going to complete and furnish our ICT
hub,” he added.
The community of Malali also secured a similar sum as Wikki Calcuni. Their Toshao, Mr.
Orlayne Williams said the amount given to his community was historic. Singling out the tourism
and agricultural sectors as avenues his community will exploit to help maximise development,
the Toshao said that significant work will be done despite the community’s thoroughfares are
under upgrade.
“We are going to give people the opportunity to do a bit of farming so that we can sell back the
harvest to these companies that are going to open in Malali or around Malali,” Williams said.
Meanwhile controversial Toshao of Maruitaro, Ms. Loretta Feidtkou, also welcomed the $10M
financial assistance for her community.
“This is not one a one-off, fly-by-night (programme) trying to keep Amerindians happy as some
people may want to say. This is part of a structured, well-planned, well-orchestrated strategy, to
ensure the empowering of Amerindian communities; to ensure the sustainability of Amerindian
communities; and to ensure the vibrance in Amerindian communities,” Minister Edghill said.
Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Dwight John, also pledged technical support for the
village projects.

Great Falls Toshao receiving her community’s cheque from Minister Edghill