$2.5M for green sustainable projects in Kopinang, Bamboo Creek
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, March 19, 2019
The communities of Kopinang and Bamboo Creek in North Pakaraima, Pataro- Siparuni, Region 8 were granted $2.5 Million to support their green sustainable community projects.
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock presented the cheques to the village leaders whilst attending the Regional Development Conference in Kato Village, last Friday.
With the $1.5Million received Kopinang will see the installation of a solar system at the village’s multipurpose centre, updating of the internet system and purchasing of a printer. Toshao Fred Bill explained that the solar system will be used to power the village’s internet service, while the printer will aid the Village Council’s work, schools and the health centre.
This initiative forms part of the village’s 2019 Presidential Grant and will benefit the over 700 Patamonas residing in Kopinang
Toshao Bill told the Department of Public Information that the internet system was established in 2014, but the service proved to be slow. Given that the village is known for its tourism and many vacationers visit the area regularly, upgrading of the internet service is necessary. He added that the village also has an aquaculture project as part of its Community Development Plan (CDP) under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) and will soon begin rearing fish.
Meanwhile, Bamboo Creek received $1M to also engage in a fish raring project. This will add to the support the village is already receiving through the region’s agricultural programme.
Minister Allicock explained that the Presidential Grant programme is aimed at creating self-sufficiency within the indigenous villages through the generation of green, innovative projects that will create jobs and at the same time produce income for the village.
He said that his ministry is working to ensure that the funds are disbursed in a timely manner to enable the work of the Village Councils. Minister Allicock, therefore urged the Village Councils to ensure there is value for money, and all of the residents benefit equally from the resources.
In excess of $700 Million was allocated through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs for development projects in hinterland villages and communities in 2019. Of this amount, $235,300 Million will be invested in 215 villages and communities under the Presidential Grant programme.
Synieka Thorne.
Image: Tejpaul Bridgemohan.