Utilize govt’s investments Amerindian leaders urged by Min Sukhai

Amerindian leaders are being urged by Government to use government investments to better the lives of villagers. The Amerindian Affairs Ministry has been making heavy investments in hinterland villages across the country, with the aim of bolstering economies.

Minister Pauline Sukhai, visited several villages in Regions Eight and Nine, reminding villagers that they have a partner in government. “Our government is making the investment. You, as villagers, now have the opportunity to advance progress in your various communities,” Sukhai said.

The minister noted that one of the commitments made and delivered by government is the increase of presidential grants; an initiative started by a previous PPP/C Government. The minister stressed that the grant is given to all Amerindian villages and satellites to execute projects discussed and approved by the village councils, that will benefit all villagers.

“When we returned to office, we increased the presidential grant by $20 million, from $280 million to $300 million, so, every village got a top up,” Sukhai said. Minister Sukhai noted that in addition, government has recognised the severe hardships cast upon hinterland residents, and made available an economic grant to every Amerindian village and satellite.

The minister disclosed that the grant ranged between $5M to $15M and was dependent on the geographical size and population of the area. “It was an income generating grant that was given to cause employment in the village, for young people in the village, male or female and to earn the village funds that are so needed,” Sukhai said.

She continued, “When Toshaos need to travel to collect presidential grant, they have to take some out for meals and travel because they don’t have money in the village.”  Meanwhile, Toshao of Nappi, Samuel Fredericks stressed the importance of government’s continued assistance.

“It is important because it helps us to move on the way forward. We were really down during this pandemic. But now with all investments like we are going back to normal, and it’s helping a lot of people you know, get back to normalcy in this life,” Fredericks said. Another resident of the village, Ricky Buckley pointed out that the economic initiatives spearheaded by government ensure youths are employed.

“We see cohesiveness beginning to return to the village, which is a plus for us because we were not reaching out to each other in the pandemic. We are grateful that the young people are being engaged positively. We prefer positive than the negative side,” Buckley stressed. Meanwhile, Sukhai also presented a weed cutter and two sewing machines each for Nappi and its satellite Parashara. A quantity of insecticide was also delivered to the villagers.

Governance issues in Parashara was also addressed during the ministerial outreach. Accompanying Sukhai was long-serving Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson, a team from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and regional leaders.