Indigenous people in Guyana encouraged to recognise development during Amerindian Heritage Month

By Kevin Lindon

Caribbean Net News Guyana Correspondent

Email: kevin@caribbeannetnews.com

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Ministry of Amerindians Affairs in Guyana on Monday launched the annual celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month, which is being observed under the theme “Inspiring our nation to move forward in Unity”.

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Guyana: More Amerindian communities to get govt grant this year

Several Amerindian communities which received government grants have shown improvement in their economic activities and this year more communities will be benefiting, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported on Monday.

Arukamai, Manawari, Capoey, Kopinang, Kaibarupai, Kanapang, Shea, Sawaraiwau, Rupunau, Aishalton, Yakarinta and Matara are among the areas earmarked for assistance, GINA stated.

During the period 2004-2006, Government disbursed grants totalling $118.8M to 77 communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. These grants were given directly to the village councils, GINA said.

The councils were asked to submit proposals to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs for projects which they considered absolutely necessary. Among the projects that were realized were a community hall at Paruima, a housing project at Kamarang and a community centre at Kaikan, all in Region Seven while cattle-rearing projects were done in Region Nine.

Meanwhile, a road link from Kako, Region Eight, to Waramadong in Region Seven is set to continue this year.

To manage their finances, Government has been training village councillors in accountability and finance. Training is being conducted in all Amerindian communities in order that the councils operate effectively, GINA added.

*Source: Starbroek News

Amerindian ministry taking steps to curb fleecing of interior workers

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues has voiced concerns about Amerindian men working in the logging and other areas not being given remuneration.

Rodrigues said "we haven't had many reports from the women but of our Amerindian men going out to work in mining, logging and in other areas and not being paid" a Government Information Agency press release said. The minister said some workers who travel from far distances to obtain work are often told to return home and that their money would come by mail. Rodrigues said this year her ministry would be "cracking down on individuals and companies who try to swindle Amerindians." The ministry will be working closely with the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, who grant concessions to companies involved in logging and mining, to try to curb this practice.

Rodrigues said the ministry intends to take a more aggressive stance on the issue and will publish the names of individuals, some of whom are "very prominent people that you would not expect this from" as some of them have appeared repeatedly. The minister also called for a reform of the Code of Practice as it relates to forestry, especially when it deals with treatment of workers and since State Forest Permits are renewed annually. Rodrigues said in some cases, the commission had assisted the ministry in ensuring that workers were paid and that this arrangement should be formalised to bring an end to the problem.

Source: Starbroek News