Region Nine Gets Tractor/Trailer From MOAA

Georgetown, January 27, 2010

With continued emphasis on improving the lives of the indigenous, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs today handed over a John Deere tractor/trailer to seven communities in the South Central Rupununi District, Region Nine.

Toshao of Shulinab, Vibert Ignace accepted the keys to the tractor/trailer from Permanent Secretary within the ministry, Nigel Dharamlall at a simple handing over ceremony.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai said the tractor was procured at a cost of $6.7M and is expected to service Shea, Shulinab, Baitun, Parikwarinau, Potarinau Kattur and Meriwau.

The $1.4M trailer will service the sub-district of Karasabai, which consists of four other satellite communities.

Toshao of Shulinab, Vibert Ignace accepts the keys to the tractor/trailer from Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall while Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai looks on.

Meanwhile, the community of Shea has also received a plough worth $700,000.
Minister Sukhai stated the heavy-duty equipment was purchased with the combined presidential grants of several villages and is essential to the boosting of agricultural production.

“These communities will establish a management committee to determine the management, use and maintenance of the equipment,” Minister Sukhai added.

She said she was impressed by the pooling together of resources in an effort to enhance the transportation service in the communities and add to the communities’ assets in the sub-region.

Ignace thanked the minister for the equipment stating that it will greatly assist the South Central communities in their agricultural pursuits and income generation.

The Toshao will be assisted by a driver in taking the heavy duty vehicles to the Lethem community.