50 hinterland communities to get tractors

Fifty hinterland communities will benefit from tractors amounting to approximately $300 million, through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) programme.

Permanent Secretary Ms. Sharon Hicks told DPI that the tractors will be utilised for agriculture, tourism, emergencies, and to support village infrastructure among other things.

“This is based on the request from villages…It will take up a large sum from our budget this year, so as much as it is $800 million, under $300 million is for the tractors,” she said.

Additionally, under the ADF programme, $285 million in Presidential Grants will be disbursed to hinterland villages to pursue sustainable community ventures this year. This includes $42 million for economic projects and $68.4 million on the re-launching of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme in 45 communities.   

The ADF aims at fostering the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities through community-driven ventures, including agricultural production and processing, village infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, village business enterprise, and transportation.