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$49M Amerindian fund to target non-mining areas

Mar 20, 2012 News

A special fund that will target developmental projects in Amerindian villages not involved in mining yesterday received a $49M boost.
The money represents 20% of the total royalties received by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) from Amerindian communities involved in mining for the period 2006-2011.
According to Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, the money will be disbursed by the fund based on requests from the communities on specific projects not exceeding $300,000.
During the presentation of the cheque, yesterday, by the Ministry of the Natural Resources and the Environment, which oversees the mining sector, Sukhai disclosed that the fund was in the making since February 2011, in keeping with the mandate of the Amerindian Act.
Several Amerindian communities are involved in mining, with many of them having agreements with small or medium scale companies. These communities collect as much as 12% of the minerals mined as royalties.
Also at the ceremony yesterday were GGMC’s Commissioner, Karen Livan; Chairman, Major General (rtd) Joe Singh, and Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud, among others.
Sukhai acknowledged that there are concerns about the level of royalties that should be flowing from GGMC.
While there were suggestions of the grants to be $30,000 per project or community, it was decided that $300,000 was more realistic. Projects like bridge repairs are among the possibilities for funding, she said.
However, communities must get the green light from their leaders before approaching the Ministry for funding.
While some titled Amerindian lands are already involved in mining and collecting their own royalties, something not under the control of government, it is expected that the fund will help in the development of other communities.

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