Ministry conducts first outreach in Orealla/Siparuta

Jun 19, 2015 News

The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs took its first official ministerial outreach to Region Six, where a team led by Minister Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe engaged residents of Orealla and Siparuta, adjoining Amerindian communities along the Corentyne River in discussions regarding the way forward for indigenous development.
The team included Principal Regional Development Officer (RRDO), Anil Roberts, Regional Vice Chairman, Bhupaul Jhagroo, designated legal advisor to the minister, David James and Advisor on youth, sport and cultural development, Mervyn Williams.
At the meeting in Orealla, Minister Allicock assured the residents that regardless of their political sentiments, the government is there to serve all the people and therefore, the ministry is in the process of developing a strategy that will see the indigenous population, especially, youths, women and children reach their full potential.
Still in its transition process, Minister Allicock explained that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry has developed a team which is assisting in reviewing, discussing and implementing plans.
He said that new units will be created within the ministry, with an aim of ensuring that the agency is equipped with capable individuals to carry out their duties, because “for too long we have been having officers who are sitting in their air conditioned rooms and imagining the needs of the community.”
According to Minister Lowe, similar plans are in store for indigenous women across the country.
Agro-processing, tourism, catering, craft and jewellery making are just a few of the areas that the ministry will be supporting to ensure women are empowered, and given the opportunity to provide for their family.
Amerindian foods should be a part of the Guyanese cuisine served at restaurants, and women will be trained in this regard, Minister Lowe said. Indigenous fashion will also be promoted, especially amongst young women.
The intention, she said is to create an environment where Amerindians can explore their talents, and at the same time, help the rest of Guyana to have a greater appreciation of their way of life.
One of the most alarming issues raised by residents was that of youths dropping out of school, and engaging in illegal activities.
Minister Allicock explained that the ministry is currently looking at creating programmes that will see youths developing both academically and recreationally.
Currently the ministry is in the process of reviewing the Community Support Officers (CSO) programme under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship (YEAP) project which Minister Allicock said, was badly implemented, in that it did not provide the students with a skill certificate.
The minister noted that the ministry will be looking at building technical training centres in highly populated districts; however, one of the immediate priorities will be to revitalising the Bina Hill Institute, in Region Nine, where six months to two-year courses can be made available to youths in about eight skill areas.

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Ministry conducts first outreach in Orealla/Siparuta

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