MOAA embarks on aggressive Birth Certificates Registration

The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs began its aggressive campaign for the issuance of birth certificates by sending a team to the villages in Region 8 from February 3-7, 2010. As part of a national outreach to have Amerindians registered, the six day outreach was conducted by the Ministry. Consultations with Villagers were also done for the development of Community Plans.

Project Officers, Shameza David and Julie Sookram and Social Workers, Sharon Henry and Juliet Kissoon from the Ministry conducted the outreach to the North Pakaraimas areas. A total of 372 persons had their birth registered.

 

MOAA Project Officer, Shameza David discussing CDPs with residents of Monkey Mountain, region 8.

Registrations were done in the communities of Paramakatoi, Bamboo Creek, Tuseneng and Monkey Mountain. The Community Development Officers and Toshaos of the Villages facilitated the process. Birth certificate forms were filled out in the Regions to ensure that all required information are recorded, thus minimizing the chances of Certificates being returned for errors.

The Ministry has been working closely with the General Registry Office (GRO) on the issue. Follow up will be done with the GRO to ensure that the birth certificates are returned to the communities within a month.

Guyana has a population of about 70,000 Amerindians who live mostly in Hinterland Regions of the country. The issues of birth certificates have been proving to be quite a challenge as many Amerindians do not have birth certificates.

 

MOAA Social Worker, Sharon Henry registering residents at Paramakatoi for Birth Certificate, Region Eight.

The registration process is aimed at helping to fast track the process and to ensure that every Amerindian has a birth certificate. The issue of birth certificate registration of Amerindians is among the main agenda of the Ministry for this year.

Consultations with Villagers in Paramaktoi and Monkey Mountain regarding their Community Development Plans were also conducted during the visit.

All the Regions will be visited with 2 visits per Region. The next outreach is slated to commence on February 17-21, 2010 in Sub-Region 2, Region Eight. Communities to be visited include Micobie, Tumatumari, Campbell Town, Chenapau, Princeville and Karisparau.

Community Development Plans (CDPs)

During these outreach activities, the development of Community Development Plans will be discussed with the Toshaos, Village Councillors and Villagers. CDPs serve as a guideline for Village development.

Amerindian communities are mandated by the Amerindian Act, 2006 to develop and implement CDPs. The Amerindian Affairs Ministry will be working closely with the Villages in this regard. Areas covered in the CDPs include, among others, the villages’ natural environment management plan, resources, economic development plans, social infrastructure and legislation.

Community development planning and birth certificate registration will be pursued simultaneously.