– only 38 communities received funding thus far
Of the 211 hinterland communities that were identified to benefit from the Jubilee Fund for community development projects, only 38 have thus far applied, received funds and commenced their development project.
In January of this year, Government had announced that budget allocations were made for investments in excess of $4 billion, in support of the Plan of Action for Hinterland Development.
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had also announced that in excess of $280 million was allocated to promote economic prosperity in these communities. This sum it was revealed is inclusive of grants for 211 Indigenous communities that would build village economies and fund other tourism-based projects, particularly for the Nation’s 50th Independence celebration. It was explained that the communities would be able to access up to $2 million in funding through the grant.
However, it was revealed that only 38 communities actually applied for and received funding through the grant. As such, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has announced that the remaining Hinterland communities have up to the end of 2016 to access money from the grant to undertake their developmental ventures.
Under the Presidential Grant, Hinterland Communities would usually have been receiving $700,000 to embark on these developmental projects. However; in celebration of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary, the government released more funds for the benefit of these hinterland communities.
Some of the projects that have been approved for funding included but are not limited to: the expansion of village farms, aquaculture, cattle and poultry rearing, eco-lodges, construction of guest houses, village offices, shops and markets, landmark benabs, recreational parks, internet service, and purchasing vehicles for agriculture, among others.
Presidential Advisor on Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervin Williams stated that in order to benefit from the Jubilee Fund, the communities would have had to develop a business or project plan for the purpose of improving village economies and community enhancement. These proposals, he explained, would be assessed and approved, and funding would be issued.