Chenapau village receives $10M investment fund, to fund ICT hub

The Village of Chenapau in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has received a total of $10 million under the Community Development Plans (CDP) project as part of the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

This is expected to pave the way for a new ICT hub and other projects that will benefit residents of the community.
The CDP fund was previously $5 million but has been doubled since the assumption of the PPP/C to power in August 2020.
During a recent visit to the community, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai said the funds will be used in part to set up an internet hub. The remainder of the money will then be used for another productive project approved by the village
“After I leave, a village meeting will be held to discuss how the remaining funds from the $10 million investment fund will be spent and invested in a project that can have impact on village improvement, employment, or an increase in income in the village,” the Minister noted.
Regarding the ICT hub, she noted that the computers and other equipment will be provided by the Ministry.
“We have a special ceiling for that. For a building that may be extended or refurbished, you spend $1.5 million to repair, repaint, and to furnish to get it ready for the installation of the ICT project which is also being rolled out
“If it is a new building that you will be establishing, then you have a ceiling of $3 million to be used on a new construction. The remaining will be $7 million that will be used for the development or income-generating project… you have to demonstrate in your proposal for whichever project you select, that it will maintain its self…” she explained.
The Minister further noted that her Ministry will train some 300 young Amerindian tutors to assist villagers in becoming tech-savvy.
She noted too, that by 2023, it is expected that all hinterland communities will be connected to the internet.
The Amerindian Development Fund was established to provide support for the socio-economic development and environmental enhancement of Indigenous communities via the implementation of Community Development Plans.
It provides access to funding for community ventures and is aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial capacity of Indigenous villages, diversifying their economy, creating job opportunities and reducing poverty.  The community business ventures cover agricultural production, agro-processing village infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, village business enterprise and transportation.