$130M approved for 30 tractors for Amerindian communities

The National Assembly on Monday, cleared the sum of $130M to purchase 30 tractors and trailers for Amerindian communities.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai explained that the additional sums will supplement the Ministry’s Community Development and Empowerment Project under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

She added that the transportation, which will benefit communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, will be used for logging and agriculture activities and transportation of goods and services.

“As you know, Guyana has reeled from the impact of COVID-19, the Amerindian villages have suffered and our Government made a commitment in our manifesto to support agricultural development in the hinterland, and to ensure that we do not have issues with food security and that we provide support and deliver on our commitment; we are seeking an additional $130M.”

Minister Sukhai emphasised that the PPP/C Government will not ignore the needs of the Amerindian villages as was done under the Coalition Government.

“All Amerindian villages in this country need Government support to advance in various sectors in their location. However, our Government will be providing 100 tractors to 100 villages,” she said.

Opposition Member of Parliament, Hon. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley questioned the stage of the procurement process for the tractors.  In response, Minister Sukhai said the process was done via open tender and assured the house that it is being executed in a fair and transparent manner.

“Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C Government is very efficient and effective and assures the House that the Government will deliver… the tenders were open, evaluated and about to be awarded,” Minister Sukhai told the Assembly.

The 2020 Emergency Budget, which was passed in September, catered for some 50 tractors and trailers to the tune of $300Million of the $800 million allocated for the Amerindian Development Fund.