Govt to rehire 2000 hinterland CSOs fired by APNU/AFC

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has announced a series of measures which would be implemented by his Administration to bring back economic vibrancy in Indigenous communities, including rehiring of the approximately 2000 Community Support Officers (CSOs) who were terminated by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government when it took office in 2015.
During his address to mark the launch of Amerindian Heritage Month 2020, President Ali made it clear that all the benefits aimed at empowering Amerindian communities which were “heartlessly snatched away” would be restored.
In this regard, he said that Community Development Plans (CDPs) would be reintroduced to ensure that Amerindians were able to determine the sustainable livelihoods they desire.
The President further added that his Administration would return to the ground-breaking partnership forged through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and advance the innovative “opt in” feature which allowed villages to benefit directly from the proceeds of carbon trading services.
The Head of State noted that Amerindian Heritage Month 2020 was being commemorated this year in unusual circumstances. He said that while the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has tempered this year’s observances, “it has failed to totally cripple our ability to honour and celebrate with our Amerindian brothers and sisters”.
President Ali assured that as soon as the situation permitted, he would return to the various communities to listen to the concerns of residents so that their development needs could be addressed.
On this basis, he noted that very soon the Government would be rolling out a detailed programme to bring relief to hinterland communities to cope with the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I assure you that your Government remains resolute in ensuring the safety of indigenous communities, not just at an individual level but the issues of food security.
“We will be announcing measures very shortly that are aimed directly at every household in the hinterland to bring relief, to bring ease and to improve your living standards,” the President said.
Ali added that he has since directed Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony to fast-track hinterland interventions and relief measures and he has since advised that following sweeping consultations currently underway with Amerindian leaders, emergency measures would be announced shortly.
In the coming years, President Ali promised that Amerindians could look forward to improvements in social services.
He noted that health facilities would be increased, upgraded and better equipped to provide enhanced and more accessible health care across the hinterland.
Ali said Indigenous children could look forward to a higher quality of education, including through the use of Information Communication Technologies, the provision of more and better-trained teachers and the award of scholarships.
He added that the hinterland water infrastructure and the electrification programme that was started would be expanded through the use of alternative energy such as solar and hydro power.