Region Nine communities receive $3.8M Presidential Grant

– Crash Water, Apoteri, Rewa villages benefit

Three communities in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) are the latest beneficiaries of Presidential Grants valued $3.8M, to improve residents’ livelihoods.

Minister within Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Anand Persaud presented the sums to Crash Water, Apoteri, Rewa. The villages received approximately $1 million, $1.4 million, and $1.4 million, respectively, when the Minister travelled to the Region last week.

Minister Persaud told residents that the initiative fulfils the Government’s pledge to make provisions to enhance residents’ lives, while on the campaign trail.

“We intend, as the Government, to work hard in every community for every race to develop your lives but moreover, the lives of your children because they are the leaders of tomorrow.  You deserve this and so we shall deliver it to you,” he said.

Minister within Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Anand Persaud hands over Presidential Grant to a representative of Crash Water village

The Minister added that this is just the beginning as the Government intends to do much more for its people.

“You will see substantial development in this country for next year because you understand the policies of the PPP/C Government and because you know that we care for you, we will deliver to every Amerindian village.”

He also advised the Community Development Officers to engage residents on the projects and to solicit feedback for them before implementing them. The Presidential Grant programme started in 2007 to boost economic and social development in Indigenous communities. Through the Grant, communities can procure equipment and transportation, utilise sums for livestock, cash crop and other farming activities as well as build benabs and erect eco-lodges for tourism, to support their livelihoods.