President declares that Gov’t sets up monitoring, evaluating team to drive hinterland development

A high-level Monitoring and Evaluating Squad, which bears the main responsibility of ensuring projects in all hinterland communities are properly executed, and government’s services are equally accessible, has been established by President Irfaan Ali.

It was noted that while monitoring does not fix problems, the President strongly believes the new strategy will allow for more stable, reliable and proactive responses. President Ali announced the birth of the Evaluating Squad Wednesday, while addressing a number of indigenous leaders during the National Toshaos Council Conference (NTC), at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“The monitoring and evaluation are important. We want continuous listening to you on the ground, continuous engagement,” the President said during the conference’s third session.

The Head of State emphasised, that his Office is leading it, therefore the monitoring team comprises Director General at the Health Ministry, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General at the Agriculture Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj; former director of the Vector Control Services, Dr. Reyaud Rahman; Permanent Secretary at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, Shannielle Hossein-Outar, and deputy Permanent Secretary of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Duan Ellis.

President Ali stressed that the NTC will also be part of the surveillance body, while a representative each from the Finance and Public Works Ministries and the Youth Advisory Council, among other government ministries will be integrally involved.

Ali declared that the aggressive move to set up the team is essential, especially since the administration is committed to ensuring all Guyanese receive help at the highest level.

The President reiterated that the overall motive of government is to transform Guyana into a nation that mirrors international standard, and that food security is top of the transformative agenda.

Further, it was noted that more than $50B was injected to advance the livelihood of Amerindians over the last two years. As such, there have been massive improvements in health care service and education delivery, water access, community infrastructure, agricultural support, tourism, and youth training, among other things.

It was revealed that some $13B was invested to improve healthcare delivery in the hinterland and riverine communities. In agriculture alone, more than $2B will be injected to support hinterland communities.

Ali disclosed that through the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, 5,600 hinterland residents are benefiting from old-age pension, while almost $1B in public assistance was distributed to vulnerable persons.

Additionally, he added that over 1,200 empowerment grants were provided to small business owners in the hinterland, while a number of women received training through the WIIN programme.