Internet service, refurbished guest house for Kwebanna

The Kwebanna Village in Moruca sub-district, Region One (Barima-Waini), is expected to provide an internet hub and refurbish its guest house upon receipt of the jubilee grant provided by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.
Kwebanna’s Toshao, Paul Pierre, told the Government Information Agency (GINA): “We do have the jubilee grant still out. We are hoping that we can extend our village guest house and I was told recently that we can also maybe use some of the money to establish an internet system in the community.”
These two additions will contribute to the development of the village that has undergone major infrastructural works. Toshao Pierre pointed to a number of capital projects completed for 2016:
“For the year so far we have been able to complete three projects which were funded by the government; a wood-working centre, a stelling at the waterfront and a benab – so I think for the year, we are doing quite well so far.

We still have another project or two in the pipeline,” Pierre explained.
Kwebanna had also benefitted from interventions in the form of outboard engines and assistance towards expansion of the health centre.
Pierre further stated: “As we can see, the health centre is also presently under extension and that is a plus for us. We are hoping that the road can be maintained because that is our only link to Moruca other than the river. I want to take this opportunity to thank the minister, both Ministers of Indigenous Peoples and Health for committing outboard engines which will really help us in transportation for our community.”
Earlier in the year, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams said that the indigenous communities are to present specific proposals based on what the village councils and residents determine to be important to their village economies and individual enhancement. These proposals are then approved, and funding eventually disbursed for projects to begin.
Communities are also benefiting from training in management, transparency and accountability to ensure their projects are properly managed and executed.
The distribution of jubilee grants as part of activities for our 50th Independence celebrations, replaces the presidential grant for this year.
By the end of 2016, more than 212 indigenous villages are to receive jubilee grants for a variety of projects: expansion of village farms, aquaculture, cattle and poultry rearing, construction of eco-lodges, guest houses, village offices, shops, markets, landmark benabs, recreational parks, installation of internet service, and purchasing transportation for agricultural and other purposes.