Govt reiterates commitment to Amerindian communities

During his presentation at the ongoing 2024 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), which concluded on Friday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing and building sustainable economies in every Amerindian village.
The emphasised that under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, the government is committed to creating opportunities for all Amerindian citizens to improve their well-being and that of their families and communities. He highlighted significant investments being made in hinterland and Amerindian communities by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, underscoring their focus on development in these regions.
“This PPP/C Government places the highest importance on the development of our hinterland regions and Amerindian communities,” Dr Singh stated. He detailed various government initiatives, including improvements in infrastructure, transport, electricity, water supply, health, and education. Notable projects include the construction of solar panels for households, mini grids, mini hydros for larger communities like Lethem and Kumu, and numerous new schools, hospitals, and health centers.

he also addressed investments in information and communication technology, with ICT hubs being activated and connectivity being extended to villages. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s ongoing support for agricultural activities through financial resources from carbon credit sales via the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
In his speech, the Finance Minsiter noted that in 2023, Amerindian villages received a record $4.7 billion from LCDS funds, marking the largest financial injection in the history of Amerindian communities. He further revealed that for 2024, an additional $4.8 billion has been allocated from carbon credit sales proceeds, raising the percentage of total sales proceeds allocated to 26.5 percent. This amount has already been disbursed and is expected to be credited to village accounts by the end of the day.
Discussions between the government and Toshaos took place at the weeklong NTC conference where issue affecting Amerindian and hinterland communities were discussed.