Sukhai reassures Region 7 residents Gov’t working to restore budget cuts : -so that Amerindian development could continue
Nurses’ Quarters at Kamarang
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai and a team from her Ministry met with residents of several communities in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) from June 15 to 18 and reassured them of Government’s commitment towards improving their quality of life.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai addressing residents of Kako during a community outreach meeting
The team also included, Ms. Pauline Welch, Welfare Officer, and Alexi La Rose, Project Officer, Region 1 (Barima/Waini) and met with residents of Jawalla, Kako, Kamarang and Waramadong.
The first meeting was held in Jawalla where the minister engaged residents on some of the developments following the presentation of the 2014 National Budget.
Ms. Sukhai informed the residents of the developmental projects which will be hampered as a result of the funds which were voted against in the Parliament by the combined Opposition.
The Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s entire capital budget of $1.1B was cut, leaving projects and programmes, which specifically target and encourage self-sufficiency, and economic and social development in the hinterland in limbo.
Speaking of the Community Support Officers (CSOs) project, which will be affected, she said since the money was not approved, the payment for the CSOs will be delayed as the administration continues to work to have the money restored.
The minister told the residents that every effort, for the further development of hinterland communities, is being frustrated by the combined Opposition which continues to peddle lies about government not creating opportunities for hinterland youths.
Ms. Sukhai pointed out that the CSO programme was designed to build capacity among youths, but it is the Opposition that voted against funding for it.
She added that the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) was also another good example of capacity building for youths who are willing to learn a trade, but that too has been affected by the budget cut.
The minister spoke of residents raising the issue of being forced out of their communities to seek employment and training.
She explained that it is with that in mind, many of the programmes were developed for hinterland communities which deserve equal opportunities as all other citizens.
Residents were also briefed on the hinterland airstrip rehabilitation works which will be affected, and which will have devastating effects on communities if the funds are not restored.
On April 10 the Opposition voted against the budgetary allocation of $6.5 billion for the aviation sector. That vote also affected the funding for other aviation services, as $235M had been budgeted under the same heading with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips, as well as for the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The sum of $185M was for hinterland/coastal airstrips.
The minister called on residents for their support in having their voices heard on issues that affect them. She noted that while the government is doing its part in affording citizens a better quality of life, residents must play their part in community development.
She exhorted residents to help make their communities safer, ensuring their children attend schools and to fight against the social ills associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
Meanwhile, the government’s initiative of the $10,000 grant for every school age child in the public school was welcomed by the residents (GINA).