We want to see betterment for the Indigenous Peoples” – Min. Ramjattan

“DPI, Guyana, Sunday, November 24, 2019

Public Security Minister, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan has assured the residents of Karaudarnau Region 9 that the government has the interest of the Indigenous Peoples at heart. He was at the time hosting one of several community meetings being held throughout the region over the weekend.

Minister Ramjattan said that since the government took office, they have ensured that steps were taken to bridge the gap between the coast and the hinterland. Further, he pointed to the fact that hinterland communities have experienced more development, in four years under the Coalition Government, than over two decades under the previous administration.

“We want to see betterment for the Indigenous Peoples, and that journey has started,” Minister Ramjattan stated.

He highlighted that the government, recognising the importance of land to the Indigenous Peoples, have spent millions on demarcation so that they can have full rights over their lands.

“We have started the process of people getting their land titles.”

He noted that while it is not without its challenges, the administration is committed to the task. Just recently, the five Indigenous communities received their land titles.

The residents were reminded that under the current government, hinterland communities have undergone, and are still experiencing, unprecedented infrastructural development. Minister Ramjattan disclosed that as of Friday, November 22, a much-needed duel carriageway asphalt road was commissioned in the Lethem township.

The minister also mentioned the government’s steps to beef up security in the hinterland. Measures such as the resuscitation of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in Indigenous communities, he noted, have already proven to be fruitful and, in this regard, encouraged the village of Karaudarnau to consider reviving their CPG.

Patrols by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have also been increased in border communities, through the reintroduction of mounted patrols. Additionally, Minister Ramjattan informed the residents that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will soon be acquiring five high tech drones to further assist with border patrols. He encouraged the young men and women present to join the GPF in order to safeguard their communities better.

“You must be responsible in wanting to take up the position,” the minister stated.

Just before concluding his meeting, Minister Ramjattan described the ongoing development in hinterland communities as a revolution, and warned that persons will come and try to “downplay” it in an attempt to make the Coalition Government appear ineffective.

Nevertheless, he said that the people of Guyana “want an honest government and a government with integrity.”

During the meeting, residents were also afforded the opportunity to raise concerns and interact with the minister one-on-one.