Press release – Major focus to be placed on Management and Accountability of Amerindian village funds
The Government is focusing on restoring proper management and accountability of resources at the level of the Amerindian Village Council, something which was lacking under the previous APNU+AFC Administration.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Pauline Sukhai said the intention is to ensure that village funds are used optimally for village development, in keeping with the Government’s thrust to bring the Amerindian and hinterland peoples into the mainstream of national development.
The Minister was speaking during an outreach along the Pomeroon River, Region Two, where she engaged village leaders of Akawini, Wakapau, Karawab, St Monica, and Kabakaburi. She was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Sarah Browne; Permanent Secretary, Ms. Sharon Hicks, and Region Two’s Regional Chairman, Ms. Vilma De Silva.
Minister Sukhai explained that when the Administration took office, it found an alarming number of cases of misappropriation of village funds by village councils due to a lack of accountability, as well as mismanagement of village assets.
“I have only been in office for about three months now and on my desk, there are a lot of complaints from villagers about the performance of the village council and specifically about the performance of many Toshaos. These issues are not new, but the amount is of concern. We now expect village councils will get back on track with the management and accountability of the village resources.”
The Minister, however, noted that this can only be achieved if the Village Council works in collaboration with the Ministry. Funds will be set aside in the 2021 National Budget to facilitate more monitoring and provide technical support to village leaders in that regard, Minister Sukhai said.
She added that the Amerindian Act of 2006 can also be used as a tool to guide the councils on how to keep within their parameters of authority.
“The village council is a body corporate that is responsible for the management of the village and is answerable to the people of the village…Your villagers elected you as their leaders, you are answerable to them,” Minister Sukhai reminded.
Minister Sukhai also called on the villagers to support the councils and play a more active role in the implementation and management of community projects.
In brief remarks, Parliamentary Secretary Ms. Browne reiterated the Government’s commitment to the development of the nation’s first people. “Our Government is one who listens to the people. We will continue to address the issues of all of the people in the hinterland.”
The residents also had the opportunity to raise issues and concerns, the most common being in the health and education sectors, as well as water and electricity. Minister Sukhai committed to engaging the relevant Ministries and the Regional Democratic Council on their behalf.
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