Latest update January 31st, 2025 7:15 AM
Latest News
- Exxon deal cannot be reversed – Min. Teixeira tells National Assembly
- Norton slams govt. heavy reliance on oil fund for 2025 Budget amid declining oil prices
- 67 killed after jet hits helicopter in Washington
- Man killed after concrete slab collapsed on him
- 16-yr-old girl killed by 40-yr-old lover at Baramita
Amerindians protests should not shield current development
– Minister Pauline Sukhai
Although recent picketing exercises against the Government by scores of Amerindians during the past week may have portrayed the outlook that all is not well in the hinterland communities, the Minister of Amerindian Affairs has made it clear that progress has been a resounding feat in most hinterland communities ever since the present ruling party came to power.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai
Minister Pauline Sukhai, at a recent press conference at the Guyana Forestry Commission, Kingston, Georgetown, held in commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, stated that apart from the recent brawls on account of land ownership between the indigenous people and the country’s primary mining operative, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the government has contributed much to present developments in the hinterland communities.
The Minister said that prior to the advent of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) into office; indigenous communities had been neglected and marginalised over prolonged periods.
However, due to the ruling party’s “aggressively pursuing accelerated support for development”, the lives of Guyana’s indigenous people have been significantly improved, the Minister said.
With respect to services, which she stated were previously nonexistent or inadequate, the Minister said that these stand “very credible” today.
Speaking of access to education across the hinterland, Sukhai reported that the goal of providing universal primary education has been achieved. She also stated that measures are now being put in place to expand access to secondary education.
“Education is a very critical aspect of the lives of indigenous people since it propels them to move away from a level of sheer vulnerability,” she highlighted.
What was also pointed out by the Minister, was the fact that within the hinterland communities, schools are now being mostly managed by the indigenous people themselves. “Administratively and down to the last acting or untrained teachers, they are mostly Amerindians. And that is a big plus on one of the major concerns that affect our indigenous population.”
The Minister asserted that such levels of development have been largely due to the investments that have been made on the part of the government along with other partnering entities.
“Each year the Government ploughs in additional investment to enhance the services related to education, health and to advancing and improving infrastructure in indigenous communities,” the Minister identified.
As a result, much more access and opportunities are being enjoyed.
Still making allowance for improvements, however, the Minister said that a critical item under examination by the Ministry is empowering indigenous people to “begin to rise to the challenge of opportunities that exist.”
The Minister made known that with the millions of dollars being expended into the hinterland communities to assist with advancing productive and economic activities; the residents are in need of added guidance to “point them in the right direction.”
“Many communities across this land do not own forests. They do not have free access to rivers and creeks. They do not have access to land in any quantity that they wish.”
As the “largest collective private land owners in this country”, it is believed that Amerindians in the hinterland should “rise to the challenge” of utilizing resources that would assist them in moving to a higher level.
“We have to teach them to see how rich they are, what advances they can make, and what partnerships they can forge with greater structures that exist nationally to advance their livelihood and wellbeing.”
The Minister confirmed her support in this regard, while noting that the government will make support available through advice, expertise and by means of finances.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Show us the numbers!
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- The government through its superior management of the economy says that it has bestowed... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
