NTC conference 2023: Over $50B spent on capital projects in hinterland by PPP/C Govt – Pres Ali

…as 6 land titles distributed to community leaders

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been making considerable investments in hinterland communities since its return to office. One such investment is its capital expenditure in hinterland communities, which has crossed the $50 billion mark.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made these remarks at Monday’s opening ceremony of the 2023 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. He assured the hundreds of Amerindian leaders gathered at the conference that the PPP/C Government is committed to fighting for them and their cause.
“You have at your fingertips, a Government that is responsive. A Government that is reliable. And a Government that will be here for you, in the good times and the bad times. We have proven that, on many occasions. When we are required to fight for you, we will fight for you.”
“And that is why, in the last three years alone, in capital expenditure, we have spent in Amerindian communities, well over $50 billion in capital expenditure. These are the facts,” President Ali said.
Another positive intervention into Amerindian communities quoted by the President, is a $1.1 billion investment for this year alone. When it comes to jobs, he referenced the over 4000 that have been created in the hinterland and the rehiring of more than 2000 Community Support Officers.
According to President Ali, the national development taking place on the coast is being mirrored in hinterland communities as over 1000 community projects are ongoing. Pensioners are also benefitting exponentially in the hinterland.
“We have spent billions of dollars in support of our pensioners. Take for instance in 2023. Close to 6000 pensioners in our Indigenous communities, in this year alone, we have allocated $2.2 billion that will go to pensioners of our communities.”
“The elderly, $2.2 billion of disposable income, directly to their pockets. But much more than this, in our hinterland communities, almost 5000 persons now are benefitting from the public assistance. That is $1 billion allocated for public assistance in 2023,” the President further said.

Land titles
According to President Ali, the national development taking place is being mirrored in hinterland communities as over 1000 community projects are ongoing in the hinterland. Meanwhile, during the opening of the conference, six land titles were distributed to community leaders.
Those communities receiving their land titles were Four Miles, Region One (Barima-Waini); Capoey, Akawini, Mashabo and Wakapao in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and Paramakatoi in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
During the opening ceremony, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai said that the land titling project is expected to complete 45 absolute grants and 68 demarcations. She too reiterated her Government’s commitment to the Amerindian people and, specifically, land titling.
“Our commitment towards land rights and tenure is unwavering. Our Government is actively engaged in titling, extension of lands for villages, and the demarcation process is ongoing… together, we should shape a nation where every Amerindian person thrives, where tradition and cultures are honoured, and where a brighter future is within reach for all,” Sukhai said.
The NTC Conference is being held until September 1, 2023, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, under the theme: “Advancing Sustainable Village Development in a Low Carbon Economy”. During the conference, Toshaos and village leaders will have meetings with the country’s leaders and get the opportunity to discuss and make critical decisions regarding their livelihoods and development.
Monday also marked the commissioning of the NTC Secretariat at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). NTC Chairman and Moraikobai Toshao Derrick John referred to the occasion as a historic one.
“This will go down in history, that in the year 2023, the 28th of August, this milestone [was] achieved. And, I must say that this establishment here will give us the motivation and the drive that we have a role to play and a big responsibility,” John said.
“I’m looking forward for all Toshaos and Indigenous leaders to utilise this facility in a civilised way, but also as a centre that you will always feel at home. We have a staff that will be housed here, that will be always ready to listen to your concerns and take your recommendations.”
It was explained by Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, that $127.8 million was allocated to construct the building and a further $20 million was spent this year to furnish it. As such, it is ready to be used. (G3)