Budget cuts delay hinterland development - President Ramotar
October 23, 2013, By KNews, Filed Under News, Source
The long standing issue of land titling in the hinterland regions could soon see a resolution with the inking of a US$10.7 Million contract by the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The signing took place during the Seventh Annual meeting of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal on Monday.
The signing of the Amerindian Land Titling contract:-
From left: NTC Chairman Derrick John, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and UNDP Country Representative Khadija Musa
The five-day forum is the highest at which Amerindians’ concerns are ventilated. Among the topics that are usually discussed at the high level sessions are the progress of community development projects (CDPs), presidential grants, and land titling.
This year’s conference is being held under the theme, ‘Culture of Good Governance for Sustained Village Economies.”
President Donald Ramotar noted that the signing of the Amerindian Land Titling agreement is critical to complete the titling of 13 Amerindian communities, as well as the demarcation of 33 villages, which is to be carried out in the next three years.
Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reiterated that the initiative will give Amerindians control over the lands that belong to them. He said that the project will also facilitate the titling and demarcation of village extensions.
Referring to the progress made in Amerindian development projects, the President noted that the Government of Guyana has “come a long way,” despite the fact that “some forces” attempted to stop the project.
“There is a very important role for the opposition in a democracy, and their role is indispensible; but not to obstruct progress in our society,” the President said, alluding to the budget cuts that were orchestrated by the opposition in 2012 and 2013. He spoke about the rejection by the Opposition of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant.
He expressed dismay over the collapse of the Amaila Project which could have afforded Guyana some savings and could have made an enormous contribution to the infrastructure development in the interior.
The Head of State said that had the Opposition not cut $18.4 billion from the 2012 budget, the land titling would have started a year ago.
He also made reference to the Community Development Plans (CDPs) noting that significant progress has been made in that regard. He said that 23 Amerindian communities are on track with their projects which include cattle rearing, farming and aquaculture.
The President said that soon 139 more villages will receive their grants to begin their CDP. Commenting on the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project reaching the hinterland, President Ramotar said that the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has indentified 50 villages to be among the first that will benefit. The procurement of the final batch of computers and financing of the hubs are being catered for.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, commented on the developments that have reached the hinterland communities since 1992. She encouraged the community leaders to participate fully in the ‘discourses’ and to speak on behalf of their villages.
She said that the NTC meeting allows for the leaders to take a national approach in formulating and integrating their activities and examining strategies and plans that target poverty reduction, access to health and education, water and improved infrastructure among others.
While urging the leaders to lead by example and maximize the resources made available to the communities, the Minister also reminded of the need to practice good governance even at the community level.
Moreover, NTC Chairman Derrick John joined in the admonitions when he urged his fellow Toshaos to “create a legacy so that others can follow and remember us when we’re gone.