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Amerindian land demarcation still awaiting Norway funds
– $76M spent to support National School Uniform Programme
Amerindian land titling has been challenging in 2012 since the disbursement of the relevant funds did not materialise, however, communities that submitted their application for support will be addressed in 2013, according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai
Speaking at a press briefing held Thursday at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Headquarters, Quamina and Thomas Streets, Minister Sukhai said, “We have 13 villages on the list to be titled, 32 villages to be demarcated, and we will begin the process of examining 41 village extension applications. All of this is slated to be done within three years bringing closure to the Amerindian land titling programme.”
Minister Sukhai said that the criteria of village status are that there should be a population of more than 150 and the community should be in existence for 25 years. Once such conditions are met, the village will be eligible for titling.
She added that 14 village audits were conducted because of complaints received by the Ministry.
The Norway Funds which are intended to be used to speed up land demarcation have not yet been received. The Minister is counting on $600 million to get the job done.
Welfare
The Minister said that during the last year, 1229 used the facilities at the Amerindian Hostel which provides accommodation, dietary needs and patient care for Amerindians who are in the city for various medical conditions.
She explained that 832 person were also assisted by the Ministry to return home when they could not have sourced the funding.
Noting that Amerindian Heritage Month was a huge success in 2012, she said that the Amerindian culture is one to be proud of and the support being given annually has been escalating. This shows cohesion in the country, she said.
“The event will continue to be supported at the national and regional levels.”
Underscoring that Government allocated $54 million to support the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) in 2012 that attracted 200 village leaders who met with President Donald Ramotar, Minister Sukhai said this occasion is used by Amerindian leaders to express themselves to the head of state who in turn would address their grievances.
The Toshaos’ elections were also lauded by the Minister with 96 Toshaos being elected.
Schools uniform programme
The Minister added that a total of $76M was spent to support the National Schools Uniform Programme in the hinterland last year. This benefited 30,000 students in Regions One, Seven and Nine.
Adding that the programme benefitted 165,000 students throughout the coastal regions who were presented vouchers valued $1500 for the procurement of school items by the Ministry of Education, she noted that the Ministry procures school uniform material which is distributed to communities in the four regions each school year.
Sewing groups within the communities are paid $800 to sew an outfit. This is also done to spawn income generation within the community.
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