Massive transformation in Toka under Coalition
― residents are prepared for an election
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, February 19, 2019
The residents of Toka, North Rupununi Village, Region Nine were high in praise of the work done by the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government over the past three years that has transformed the village.
At a recent ministerial outreach in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region, Toshao of Toka, Eugene Issacs said since 2015, the Coalition Government has invested immensely in Toka, which the residents appreciate and welcome.
“When you are struggling to survive, it’s hard to dream and I think Toka was struggling to survive and it was hard to dream…this community has suffered for years and our potential for development was hindered…we have started to see some light now and we are trying to bring things onstream.”
One of the main projects executed in the village was the construction of two of five water catchment areas to be used for farming and cattle, especially during the dry season. Toka is known for large scale cattle rearing, hence the water catchment is significant, the Toshao said.
“Toka is probably the only community in the country that has over utilised its land. According to the Amerindian Lands Commission report, it takes one square mile of Savannah to graze 10 cows. We have 12.5 square miles of land…today, Toka’s flock is on the rebound and rapidly growing over the 300 mark, which shows that we have far over utilised our lands,” Toshao Issacs explained. He also said Toka has been depending on the neighbouring village Massara to assist with grazing their cattle.
Additionally, in 2015, the community received a tractor to boost agriculture production, farming tools were also given to the community to assist those residents involved in crop cultivation.
The community also benefitted from over $1M to construct a modern pavilion at the community ground. The concrete and steel structures are the first of their kind in the region. “together with the funds we received, and with self-help efforts, we were able to complete the two stands…we call it the stadium …we still need to upgrade the ground and we will be working on that shortly.” Toshao Issacs said, explaining that the village will be approaching the ministry for support with floodlights and brush cutters to maintain the ground.
Toshao Issacs said confessed that the council has made some mistake over the years and has now shifted its focus on more income generating projects. In this regard, the community has commercial ovens, extractors and other equipment to establish a baker shop.
The Village Council has already donated a $13Million building together with $5Million under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) Community Development Plan (CDP) project to fast track this project. Part of the $5Million will go towards purchasing additional cattle.
The community will also receive its Presidential Grant shortly to establish a bread maker and purchase a power saw at the cost of $1Million.
Further, the main access road in Toka is being maintained making for smoother daily travel by the residents and the water system was also upgraded.
Twenty youths in the village also benefitted from training under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) project, many of whom are managing successful businesses.
Not afraid of an election
Addressing the current political issues, Toshao Issacs made it clear that, “The constitution doesn’t refer to any caretaker government or an interim government, the government is the government and as long the government is in power, we will be looking forward to its support. We believe that a lot of work can be done between the period before election…But we hope that the government will get its full five years and I am almost certain that at the level of the CCJ we will get a victory there.”
However, the village leader said that in the event of an early election, he is confident that the Coalition Government will be victorious and will continue to support the vision of the Indigenous peoples.
Echoing similar sentiments was resident, Kennard Davis, who noted that Toka is developing rapidly and is confident that progress will continue in 2020 and beyond. “I am not afraid of elections. I know elections wouldn’t be this year, it would be 2020. I know all about the constitution, about the 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution… so we are not afraid,” David said.
Toka Village is located 20 minutes west of Annai in the North Rupununi. The community has a population of over 200 persons and is equipped with a nursery and primary, a health post, community centre, women’s centre and a church. This year, the village will benefit from internet access
Synieka Thorne.
Images: Kennyann Bacchus.