North Rupununi leaders urged to create visionary, green sustainable projects
“As leaders, we need to be visionaries and consider projects that will be of great benefit to the people. If we are going to progress, we must use the resources available to the best of our ability for the benefit of the people who elected us.”
This was the charge given to Toshaos and Senior Councillors of villages in the North Rupununi by Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock on Friday last. The Minister was speaking at the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) meeting at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai District, where 16 village leaders were in attendance. He urged the North Rupununi village leaders to be forward-thinking as they moved the development of their communities forward. Minister Allicock said that the Government has embarked on creating a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) through which a number of projects will be executed across the regions, including solar farms and hydropower projects. He advised the leaders to consider green sustainable projects that would cause little or no damage to the natural environment, while generating an income for the village and creating employment for the people.
“You must look at what is needed in your village. If you had flooding last year, what are you doing to avoid flooding this year? Do you know your area? Do you know
Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock addressing village leaders at the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) meeting at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai
your resources? You need to get started and be ready to access funding that is available to you. We at the Ministry are ready to support you,” the Minister was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Minister Allicock encouraged the Village Councils to organise members and elect persons who would represent the health, education, infrastructure, social services and security sectors. These individuals will liaise with the Regional Administration to ensure issues in those areas are addressed in a timely manner.
Minister Allicock further suggested that these concerns be forwarded to the Community Development Officer (CDO), who is in direct contact with the Minister.
