Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Budget woes…Amerindian development at a standstill
All developmental projects in Amerindian communities are now at a standstill. They would only implemented after Government fulfills its promise of exploring all legal means to restore the disapproved programmes including the $1.1B Amerindian Development Funds allocations in the National Budget 2014.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai
The joint Opposition, upon disapproving several programmes in the Budget, gave Government the option of returning to Parliament for supplementary provisions that do not include the projects they rejected.
Speaking at a press conference Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, said she “would be the craziest Minister” to leave the Amerindian Development Fund out of the supplementary provisions since that is the core of the funding.
She explained that there are two Amerindian Development Funds in the budget and both were disapproved.
The Amerindian Development Fund, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, caters for the financing of Community Support Officers, Presidential Grants, eco-tourism and cultural projects among others.
Meanwhile, the other Amerindian Development Fund falls under the Ministry of Finance which is responsible for executing funds under the Low Carbon Development Strategy. This venture is a Government of Guyana project being implemented by the United Nations Development Fund. It caters for the implementation of the Community Development Plans and land titling and demarcation.
Sukhai commenting on her recent visit to several Region One communities said Amerindian leaders registered their disgust and disappointment with the disapproval of their budgetary allocation.
The Minister said it is customary for the Ministry to conduct outreaches to inform Amerindians across Guyana of the budgetary allocations and this year was no different, only the message disseminated was unfortunately negative.
When questioned why the Ministry ventured to Region One, where Government has a strong hold, she said it had to do with accessibility, geographically, and the ability to meet a large number of Amerindians. In fact, during the visit to the nine communities, over 6,000 residents attended the meetings.
Moreover, two Opposition Members of Parliament, who helped to disapprove the budget originated from Region One. They are Alliance For Change (AFC)’s Valerie Lowe and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Renita Williams. She added that Williams is still a resident of Region One.
According to the Minister, she was requested by the village leaders to register their concerns with the public and the media.
Reading a message by Santa Rosa Village Toshao, Basil Cornelius, she said, “We are full condemnation of this budget cut, as leaders of this village we are disgusted at the way the politicians treat us. I think it is time that we ask the house of Parliament to recognize us as the first people; Guyana treat us as equal. I am confused as to why the first choice was to disapprove something that we need and that is paltry compared to what the country receives.”
One of the biggest disappointments for the communities is the non-approval of the Presidential Grants. Amerindian communities have been benefiting from Presidential Grants for the past seven years. The grants have allowed communities to advance their progress and even help to make their lives easier.
Another disappointment is the non-funding for the Community Support Officers who are part of the Hinterland Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme. The Community Support Officers receive a stipend to assist with the operations of the various sectors within the communities. They also assist with the operations of the Village Councils.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A call for more cultural centres
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- Burnham’s decision to divert the Indian Immigration Fund towards constructing the National... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
