Amerindian villages profiting from financial resources, expanded economies
By: Luann Williams
Over the past four years, more than 240 Amerindian villages benefitted from specific development programmes initiated by the government, along with a substantial increase in funding.
These initiatives strengthened and sustained the village economies and provided equal access to employment, economic opportunities, and training.
A whopping $9 billion is budgeted in 2024, inclusive of carbon credit funding to improve the quality of life and promote social and economic upliftment.
Carbon credit support
Recognising the first people’s contributions to sustaining Guyana’s rich ecosystem, the government has guaranteed 15 per cent of total revenues generated through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 towards Amerindian development.
In 2023, a whopping $4.7 billion (US$22 million) was disbursed to 242 villages and communities nationwide.
This became possible after the government moved into a historic US$750 million agreement with global energy giant – Hess Corporation – which is purchasing 30 per cent of Guyana’s forest carbon within ten years.
The $4.7 billion is funding over 811 projects in areas of tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial arts and crafts, among others, all aimed at boosting sustainable livelihoods.
A further $2.7 billion will be disbursed to more than 242 villages in 2024, signifying the government’s unwavering commitment to the first people.
This allows Indigenous villages to chart their development and prosperity, as well as achieve self-sufficiency by investing in priority areas.
Additional resources will become available to these villages when the remaining 70 per cent of carbon credits are sold.
Presidential Grant (PGs)
Another programme that is playing a critical role in fostering economic expansion is the Presidential Grant (PG) programme.
Upon assuming office in 2020, the government increased grants, keeping its commitment outlined in the 2020-2025 manifesto.
Small villages, which previously received around $500,000, now benefit from $1 million, while those receiving $1.5 million to $1.8 million now enjoy $2 million or more annually.
The grants support a wide range of projects, including transportation (procurement of boats, engines, minibuses, tractors, trailers, and ATVs), agriculture (including shade houses, cattle farming, chicken rearing, and cash crop farming), and machinery and equipment (such as chainsaws, brush cutters, generators, and sewing machines).
In 2023, villages and communities received $947.6 million in Presidential Grants to pursue sustainable and social projects in various sectors.
Amerindian Development Fund (ADF)
Under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) initiative, several million-dollar projects will be implemented in these villages to support initiatives focusing on women, food security, tourism, and the preservation of cultural language, among other goals. A budget of $4.6 billion, has been earmarked for the ADF initiative.
Land titling
In 2024, $800 million is earmarked to advance the legal securing of lands for the first people.
In 2022, five land titles were issued to villages, while an additional six villages received titles in 2023. The current data shows that Amerindians occupy at least 10 per cent of Guyana’s total land mass, a significant improvement achieved by the government.
Amerindian Act revision
A provision of $80 million was budgeted in 2024 to advance education awareness of the Amerindian Act of 2006. This is to prepare leaders and stakeholders for the consultations leading up to the act’s revision.
Employment and training opportunities
The government has generated more than 50,000 job opportunities and among these, approximately 6,000 youths and residents from the hinterland regions have secured gainful employment, thanks to initiatives implemented by the administration.
The revitalised Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) has been a significant contributor, employing nearly 2700 Community Service Officers (CSOs) and injecting over 1$ billion annually into the economy.
These youths also benefit from training programmes, offered by the ministry and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
Additionally, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), CSOs are trained to maintain water distribution networks in these areas.
Extended to outlying regions, the part-time jobs programme has provided income for another 3000 individuals.
Moreover, Village Councils received small community-participation contracts of $5 million to undertake yearly maintenance of their road networks.
Amerindian leaders, treasurers and councillors also received training in good governance and accountability practices, with a yearly allocation provided by the Amerindian affairs ministry.
Meanwhile, more opportunities became available for Amerindian youths through a $1. 4 billion (CAD 9.1 million) Empowering the Next Generation, Agency and Gender Equality (ENGAGE) project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Canada.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project which was signed between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Canada, is being implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) agency, under a Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded five-year project.
Under this project, the WUSC agency seeks to work closely with the ministry to enhance the empowerment of indigenous youths, especially young women from Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.
Support to village planning and implementation
Earlier in 2024, a government-initiated multiyear programme valued at $600 million (US$3 million) was launched to strengthen the capacity of Amerindian Villages, including the National Toshaos Council (NTC) to develop and implement effective long-term sustainable plans which are aligned with national development priorities.
This project will allow the NTC to provide technical assistance to villages in developing their 10-year Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs), with emphasis placed on improved environmental management, increased climate resilience, and enhanced sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Sport
Through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, some 100 villages across Guyana received financial support to accelerate sports development in these villages. Each village received $1 million in funding, to improve its pavilions, playgrounds and other facilities necessary for sporting activities.
From 2023-2024, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has granted $3 million in funding towards the Upper Mazaruni District Games, where 13 villages compete in various sporting disciplines.
During the celebration of Amerindian Heritage Month, indigenous youths from the ten administrative regions travel to Georgetown to participate in highly competitive sporting activities. This calendar event is sponsored by the Amerindian affairs ministry annually.
Agriculture
Several villages nationwide benefitted from shade houses to boost agriculture production. This move ensured that Amerindian villages were independent in food production and even ventured into entrepreneurship.
Another support for the agriculture sector includes the tractor and trailer programme.
To date, around 170 tractors and trailers have been delivered to villages, signifying a more than $700m investment.
The vehicles offer support in the labour-intensive aspects of agriculture, while also serving as a means of transportation for residents in remote villages.
Social services
Hinterland residents are already receiving better-quality services in education and health, while four, state-of-the-art hospitals are to be constructed in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine. Fifteen schools are currently being constructed in these regions.
Telemedicine has also brought significant relief, with the Ministry of Health harnessing technology to deliver efficient and quality services.
Cultural heritage
The government continues to support Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations in September, with $147 million earmarked towards the celebrations in 2024.
Through these deliberate initiatives and programmes, the government is ensuring financial freedom, improved livelihoods, enhanced opportunities, sustainable economies, and most importantly, ensuring the first people are part and parcel of Guyana’s ongoing transformation.
Journey to Prosperity for All:
Celebrating the 4th anniversary of the PPP/C’s Government.