New Amerindian Affairs Minister commits to advancing Amerindian development

Newly-appointed Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne says she is committed to building on past achievements while advancing the Ministry’s work and enhancing overall opportunities for Amerindian people.
Just days after taking office, Browne said she is ready to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor while also improving on what has already been done.
In outlining her policy agenda, Browne identified land titling and support for young people and women as key priorities.
“And for the hinterland, we made commitments, of course; land titling is number one on our agenda, support for youth, for women, in different aspects, whether it’s small projects, we had our commitments. And first and foremost, we always pride ourselves as a party and a Government that delivers on our commitments. So, you know, we’ll start from there, and ensure that the promises that we made, that they’re fulfilled.”
Browne also highlighted the charge given to the new Cabinet by President Irfaan Ali, stressing that her Ministry’s work will be aligned with that vision.
“So those who are at the swearing-in have already heard His Excellency give [the cabinet] a charge, ensuring that the next five years are people-orientated and driven and that, you know, we achieve the objectives of what we set out.”
She further emphasised the critical role of the Ministry in Amerindian communities, pointing to the practical ways in which it impacts daily lives, stressing that it provides essential support for communities across the country.
“And for Amerindian people, this Ministry is a very important Ministry for us, because it’s where we get our funding. The funding is channelled through accountability, governance, and oversight of villages; welfare is also something we look at, because people don’t know, but sometimes [Amerindian] persons come to town for different reasons, and they encounter difficulties. Our Ministry usually reaches out and helps persons who, you know, are faced with difficult circumstances.”
She added that while much of this work is not always visible to the public, it makes a daily impact in people’s lives.
“It’s being done; we help people every day… We have a lot of work to do, yes, but, you know, we’re working. But there are a lot of things that we do behind the scenes that affect people directly, but we don’t put them out there. And, you know, sometimes when we help, you know, in these circumstances, it’s not for likes on Facebook, but it’s because real people need real help.”

Early years
When asked to describe herself, Browne noted that her journey has been a complex one but deeply rooted in humble beginnings: she is a mother of three and married, but beyond that, her life started in Santa Rosa, one of the largest Amerindian villages in Region One.
It was there she attended school, at a time when the community was very different from the Moruca or Santa Rosa of today.
Like every other Amerindian girl of that era, she too faced the struggles.
Browne reflected on life in the hinterland, noting it was not the same as the hinterland today. Looking back on where she came from, she emphasised that of all her achievements and sources of pride, being an Indigenous woman stands above the rest.
She explained that Indigenous people have a strong culture and a way of life that defines them. Like many other young Amerindian women of her time, she shared in the same struggles. During that period, she recalled, many children living along the riverbanks were forced to endure the same daily hardships, including long journeys and limited resources, which shaped their experiences and strengthened their resilience.