$1.11B for Amerindian CSOs in 2022

Amerindian youths can look forward to a mammoth $1.11 billion from government, through the revived Community Service Officers (CSO) programme.

This is the affirmation of Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, M.P, when she stood staunch on Thursday, in defence of the $552.9 billion budget presented by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, M.P, in the National Assembly a week ago.

Amerindian communities will see an additional 500 CSOs being appointed, which will push the total number to 2,000.

This, Minister Sukhai said, will have a ripple effect in the hinterland, improving the economies in villages.

“That $1.11 billion is not going to remain in paper form in the pocket, but it will be circulated in the villages, the entrepreneurs, village shops will benefit and it will stimulate development as it relates to economic ventures and businesses will once more begin to survive in those communities.”

Also, in 2021 some $115.6 million was also expended towards the training of 420 CSOs in areas such as; ICT, tractor driving, licencing and maintenance, and solar panel installation and maintenance.

In 2022, more Amerindian youths will be trained to be part of Guyana’s workforce.

These CSOs are paid a stipend of $30,000 per month to support the village council and facilitate the smooth operation of events in their villages.