Minister Sukhai visits Kaikan

- urges residents to build partnerships

Georgetown, GINA, October 17, 2011

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry has held another community outreach, this time to Kaikan, Region Seven where Minister Pauline Sukhai and National Toshao Council (NTC) Chairperson Yvonne Pearson and other officials from the Ministry met with the community to discuss issues of concerns related to land demarcation, water and health among others.

Minister Sukhai engaged residents in discussions about their decision not to accept land demarcation since that community has been pushing for ownership of what they refer to as their traditional lands.



NTC Chairperson Yvonne Pearson (standing) speaking to residents. At left are Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Toshao Claude Anselmo. At far right is Principal Regional Development Officer of the Ministry Anil Roberts.


According to Minister Sukhai, it is only a few communities that are leaning in this direction and their decision can impact negatively on the pace of their development. She urged them to build partnerships and relations with other organizations which could help in advancing their development plans.

NTC Chair Yvonne Pearson highlighted the development and progress which Amerindians have been benefiting from over the years.

She reflected on the period in Guyana’s history when Amerindians were neglected. Today, they are represented at every level, both nationally and internationally, Pearson said.

Citing the Indigenous People’s Commission (IPC), the NTC and the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNFPII) and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Pearson stated that these bodies represent Government’s interest in protecting and preserving the rights of Guyana’s indigenous peoples.

She made further reference to Amerindians having absolute ownership of the land that they occupy instead of user rights which is what other countries grant to their indigenous peoples.




The newly built Kaikan Primary school and teachers’ quarters.


In this regard, the NTC Chair noted the changes that have taken place in Guyana over the years to the extent that the country is now made up of six peoples who are all Guyanese and have equal rights to the country’s resources.

She added that although Amerindians are recognized as the first people, they are not the only people and therefore, “it is not fair for one people to own half of the country’s land” when one takes into consideration the other five peoples,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai reaffirmed that Government’s intention is to strengthen Amerindians’ land tenure and has completed demarcation of 77 communities in 15 years with limited financial resources. She emphasized that Government has made tremendous strides in advancing Amerindian development and will continue to do so.




Minister Sukhai greets residents of Kaikan.


Among the other concerns raised related to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which some claimed they were not fully aware of.

This was addressed by Minister Sukhai who reminded them that every community was included in the consultation process and several meetings were conducted in Region Seven.



Minister Sukhai greets a mother and her baby in Kaikan.


However, she reiterated that under the LCDS, residents of the communities will be allowed to conduct their traditional activities such as farming, fishing and hunting. With respect to mining she explained that the LCDS will not stop mining, but is meant to ensure mining activities are carried out in accordance with the existing regulations and in a more sustainable manner.

She explained that the Opt-In mechanism of the LCDS does not pressure anyone to become involved, rather it allows them to choose whether or not they want to be part of the strategy.



A young Kaikan resident accessing water via a black tank.


Benefits to Kaikan

Minister Sukhai highlighted some of the benefits which were provided to that community in the recent past including a tractor valued $6.8M which was requested by the village. A plough and chipper which were also requested were provided by Government.



The tractor and chipper which was provided by government to Kaikan.

In 2010, Kaikan received $2.5M for water, $1.2M for agriculture and $3.8M for solar panels.

Under the Hinterland Electrification Programme that community is also slated to benefit from the 65-watts solar home systems that will soon be distributed to 11,000 Amerindian households in hinterland communities.

Kaikan residents have also been trained in the installation of solar panels.
They are not left out of other national initiatives such as the school feeding and uniform programmes and they also have better education and health facilities.

A new primary school and teachers’ quarters have just been completed at Kaikan.

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Gov’t fulfills promise to Region 9 - third phase of support rolls out

-as promised after July flood

Georgetown, GINA, September 24, 2011

The PPP/C administration, as promised, delivered on its pledge of making available monetary support for residents in Region Nine who were affected by flooding in July. A sum of $20,000 was presented to each affected farmer and household, particularly those who were severely affected.

During the start of the recovery, emphasis was placed on food availability and food production. As such several communities were presented with farming supplies including chemicals to treat acoushi ants, spray cans, a variety of seeds, mineral blocks, storage containers, cassava mills and small water pumps.



Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal being greeted by Karasabai students in Region Nine.
The communities that benefited from today’s exercise include Karasabai, Wichabai, Tiger Pond, Taushida, Yurong Paru, and Pai Pang.

During the initial stages of the flood relief effort President Bharrat Jagdeo had made it clear that the Administration will not spare any resources in ensuring that the responses are timely, adequate and sustained.

The provided fund allows the affected persons to replace losses in their homes and farms, and it is a part of Government’s long- term and sustained recovery plan.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, Permanent Secretary, Collin Croal, Regional Chairman Clarindo Lucas and Regional Executive Officer, Ronald Harsawack on Friday travelled to Karasabai to commence the distribution of the money.



Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai presents the monetary support to one of the beneficiaries in the Karasabai Sub-district.
A team comprising Ministry staff and a representative from the Auditor General’s office has remained and will be travelling to the various communities, within the sub-district, to continue the process.

In her address to the villagers, Minister Sukhai recognized the administration’s speedy pace of response which saw contributions by a number of government ministries including the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministries of Health, Education, Agriculture, Local Government and Regional Development, and Public Works.

Minister Sukhai explained that the government’s response is in keeping with the set statutes outlined in their manifesto, with regards to Amerindian development.
In light of this she stated that Amerindians are the only ethnic group that has an entire month to celebrate their culture, traditions, lifestyles, and heritage.

September was designated Amerindian heritage month by former president Cheddi Jagan who recognized the need for the Amerindians to celebrate their heritage.

Karasabai was the first community to erect a monument in honour of former President Jagan. It also houses a children’s play field in honour of another former President Janet Jagan.



Residents of the Karasabai Sub-district gathered for the launch of the pay-out of the Administration’s third phase of support following the flooding in July.
Minister Sukhai noted that aside from the celebrations, heritage month also calls for people to reflect on family life, their achievements and the way forward, assisting the governing heads in the community developmental process and the transfer of culture from the elders to youths. This ensures Amerindians’ heritage is not lost but, transferred throughout the generations.

While in discussions with the villagers, Minister Sukhai highlighted the progress on several programmes that will also be of benefit including the electrification programme, One Laptop Per Family (OLPF), and presidential grants, with particular focus on promoting tourism.

With regards to the hinterland electrification programme, Minister Sukhai noted that currently the technicians from the various communities have completed their training sessions, and the 11,000 solar panels are expected to arrive in Guyana shortly. She added that the 65 - watt solar panels allow for more to be done in the communities while students will have adequate lighting to study.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister indicated that the OPLF unit is close to realizing this initiative particularly since the contract for the laptops has already been approved. She expressed her hope that all the villagers will use the computers once they are accessible within the community.



Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai addressing the gathering at the launch of the pay-out of the Administration’s third phase of support following the July flood.
Regional Chairman, Clarindo Lucas referred to previous incidents of flooding in the hinterland and coastland where people have been able to restart their lives successfully. In this regard he encouraged the communities to continue with their work programmes.

He also highlighted the growth of Guyana’s economy and development of indigenous communities under the PPP/C administration.

While addressing the gathering, REO Harsawack spoke of the initial immediate response to the flood by government and other support agencies including the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

He highlighted that the third phase of the government’s support package will be replicated in all the sub-districts and villages in Region 9 thereby targeting the affected 2,000 people.

Following the exercise, Minister Sukhai travelled to Bon Fim, neighbouring Brazil where she joined Guyana’s Ambassador to that country, Kellawan Lall at the GUY-BRAZ Festival at which Guyanese and Brazilians showcased their cultures.

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