Amerindians are better off now - Sukhai

Amerindians are better off now – Sukhai

Apr 15, 2014 News

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai has admitted that while there may be glitches in the healthcare system in hinterland areas, Government tries its best to rectify them. Sukhai made the comment during her recent Budget debate presentation.
According to the Minister, over the last five years an estimated 7000 persons received subsidized medical support, meals, accommodation, free medical supplies, transportation and post operation treatment at the Amerindian Hostel on Princes Street.
Sukhai noted that this enhances and compliments the health care services provided for hinterland residents.

Amerindian Affairs Minister

Further, the Minister told the National Assembly that agriculture and food security continues to expand in Amerindian communities. Sukhai explained that the agricultural support now received by villagers is way above what obtained prior to 1992.
She noted that 33 tractors, trailers and implements (ploughs and harrows) were provided to farmers to address increasing cultivation and transport and marketing of produce, so as to sustain increased production.
Meanwhile, in the area of road infrastructure development, Sukhai said that there has been construction to the tune of G$2B. The Minister explained that Government is targeting the main hinterland roadways, such as Linden to Lethem, South Pakarimas to North Pakarimas and Lethem to Aishalton.
Sukhai added that at present, Government has paved the way for further improvements in Information and Communication Technology (ITC) in the hinterland. She noted that approximately 100 hubs are under construction in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine with an investment of 287M.
Decision Making and Politics….
Sukhai said that Amerindian women have their fair input in the country’s decision making process, although the population of indigenous people is just 10 percent in Guyana.
Sukhai added that Amerindians are very forthright in advancing and securing their rights and collaborate at all levels in an effort to minimize the social, cultural and economic gaps that exist.
“We consult and partner with the Amerindian leaders and villagers to ensure that Amerindian voices, needs and goals are mainstreamed into the framework of our national development goals,” Sukhai said.