“A lot of action since HEYS was rolled out”

Sep 11, 2016 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

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Last week we presented the first part of the address delivered by Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe to the 212 Toshaos and Senior Councillors who attended the 2016 National Toshaos Conference at the ACCC. 

Over four days the leaders were addressed by H.E. President David Granger, by several Ministers of Government and quite a number of stakeholders who re-committed to working with them to craft a viable course of action for the development of indigenous communities. Minister Garrido-Lowe is an unrelenting advocate for the economic development of our Indigenous Peoples. This is the second part of her address.

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“At last year’s NTC, President David Granger unveiled a 10-point plan of action for the development of the hinterland. I am happy to say that there is now a lot of action going on in 106 hinterland communities in the 10 regions since the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) was rolled out in those communities.
Of course, there are some challenges but the reviews are absolutely fascinating. One young lady from Paramakatoi wrote to ask me to take some of her savings and purchase some joinery tools for her, Phillips brand, mind you. When I later visited Paramakatoi she came to meet me and she told me about her plans to open her own Joinery. She had already bought seven zinc sheets to put on shed she was building. I asked about the (unit) cost of the zinc sheets and she said $7,000. Former MP, Eula Marcello, told me with admiration in her voice, “You know, Val, these youths are thinking. They are purchasing things like tools and other materials, and they have good plans.”
In Mora, the youths are learning about Food Management and Nutrition, and Catering, and they are working to resuscitate their nature walk (Tourism product). They also plan to host a debating competition with other members of the HEYS programmes – debaters from other villages.
This is proof that our hinterland youths are hungry for knowledge and they are making good use of the opportunities this programme provides. Another beautiful thing is happening – they are bonding. They are helping each other, demonstrating great patience and care … and there are many more heart-warming stories.
Very soon our Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Cohesion, NAREI, IAST and the farmers of Paramakatoi, will begin producing sun-dried organic tomato salads for sale. This project, which includes the creation of a training centre, will have a far reaching effect for the residents of all villages of Region #8. It will create and build human capacity in agriculture and food preservation among other areas. Needless to say, it will create jobs.
This project is being financed by the Government of Guyana and the Canadian High Commission, and we are very thankful.

DEVELOPING OUR INDIGENOUS WOMEN
We can’t stress enough how important it is to educate and build capacity among our Indigenous women. By educating them, our families will thrive. Your Government, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will continue to work with our women, providing training in various fields including adult education/literacy and business. Their business training programme was initiated by the First Lady. Technical assistance and small financial grants have already been allocated for the establishment and growth of micro businesses in the regions. Of course, the ultimate objective is to generate much needed income for households, put more nutritious food on the table for children, and clothing on their bodies.

RESPECTING OUR NATIONAL HEROES
I implore you to respect our heroes. Indigenous Guyanese in every hinterland region love their land. Land is life to our indigenous brothers and sisters. The late brave and wise Stephen Campbell understood this when he made representations on our behalf during the Independence struggle leading up to 1966. He had been elected to the National Assembly on 10th September 1957, making him the first Amerindian Member of Parliament. Over the years he played a monumental role at the highest levels of government.
Yet, with all of our artistic talent, I still see no statues of this great Indigenous Guyanese. In fact, he is almost forgotten in the villages. Perhaps the Toshaos Council should put this on your ‘To Do’ list. You would certainly be able to count on your Government for support. After all, the leader of our nation is a brilliant Historian.
This month is Amerindian Heritage Month. The late President Cheddi Jagan had declared in 1995 that in September every year we must honour the contributions of the nation’s First Peoples. This year’s observances are being held under the theme: “Our Culture, Earth’s Future” and it provides numerous opportunities for our diverse society to know more about the Amerindian communities.
There is no time like the present for us to identify and pursue our common interests. It is only through understanding, appreciation and respect for each other, and by requisite institutional protection, that people in a multicultural society could co-exist in peace and harmony.
I would like to end by borrowing (and tweaking a little) from the 1961 inaugural address of that famous American President, John F. Kennedy. He said, and I today say: “Ask not what your Government can do for you, but what together we all can do so that every Guyanese can experience a good life.”

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