Minister Sukhai visits Orealla –underscores importance of accountability and transparency

-as village prepares for election

Georgetown, GINA, April 15, 2012

The principles of accountability, transparency and good governance were the centre of discussion between Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and her team of officials from the ministry and residents of Orealla, a riverine community in Region 6.

Discussions with residents and the village council were also centered on the continued upward mobility of the village following preparations for the upcoming village elections, which will be held on April 23.



Residents of Orealla welcoming Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai on her arrival to their village, Orealla in the Berbice River


Addressing the residents and members of the village council of Orealla and the adjoining community Siparuta, at the Orealla meeting hall, Minister Sukhai said that the decision making process of the PPP/C Government is done through a process of consultations, involving the inputs from citizens, youth and seniors, and as such the same process should be applied at the village level.

“ It is very important for the residents of any village, young or old to always participate in the decision making or village activities, since togetherness will always breed success,” Minister Sukhai urged residents.

Amerindian communities, she said, across the country are becoming financially independent as Government continues to implement policies and programmes that are transforming their village economies and sustaining their traditional way of life and surroundings.



A section of Orealla and Siparuta villagers at a meeting in Orealla during a visit by Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai


In this regard, she said that residents and members of the village council should always refer to the Amerindian Act which is a critical tool for the governance, accountability and transparency of their village economy.

Amerindian communities, she said are becoming more self-sufficient and economically advanced and, as such the village council should, and must always be accountable to their people.

“The issue of village accountability is not a new one…I have been working in the field of Amerindian affairs for many years and, I must say that Amerindian communities have come a far way when it comes to being accountable,” Minister Sukhai said.

This achievement, she said was not easy, “it was achieved because of the pressures that were placed on the village management by its people,” Minister Sukhai said.
The changing landscape of Amerindian communities, Minister Sukhai said is testimony to the prudent management of the economy by the PPP/C administration and its people centered approach and such should be applied at the village level.



Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai addressing residents of Orealla and Siparuta, at the Orealla meeting centre, Region 6


“The residents of this village should always have meaningful engagement with the Council because the management of the village economy is for the betterment of the residents…so the community has the right to know the financial position of the village, but at the same they should not abuse their rights,” Minister Sukhai urged.

While informing residents about the provision in the Amerindian Act which caters for the elections of new Toshaos and village councils every three years, she urged residents to continue working for the betterment of the community regardless of who are elected to manage the Villages' affairs.

The Amerindian Act specifies clearly who can run for office as Toshao or member of the village council. The Amerindian acts states that a person may not stand for election or be elected as a Councilor unless he- is an Amerindian of at least 18 years of age, is a resident in the Village on the date of the nomination; has been continuously resident for a period of not less than three years immediately before his nomination provided that if a person has his principal home within the Village, any absence from the Village for education, employment or health care shall be disregarded in determining continuity of residence; and has not been convicted of a serious criminal offence involving violence or dishonesty.

Minister Sukhai also used the opportunity to reflect on the transformation of many Amerindian communities across the country and, numerous programmes that they continue to benefit from, including the annual presidential grants, school feeding and uniform programmes, hinterland secure livelihood programme, community development plans, unserved areas electrification programme, scholarship and hinterland road programmes, land demarcation, midwives’ training and the hinterland teachers’ upgrading programme.




A resident of Orealla voicing a concern with Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai


“The remoteness of the communities or settlement patterns are not excuses for my Government as it has been investing in providing primary and basic social needs to Amerindians across the country,” Minister Sukhai said.

Government will continue to support the transformation of village economies, but residents also need to be integrally involved in the process and the relaxed attitude from some residents are affecting the rate of development, she said.

“The village has great income-generating capabilities and you,(residents) should work with the council and, at the same time exploit your indigenous knowledge and practices to promote your community to further expand your income generating activities,” Minister Sukhai said.

Prior to the meeting, the Minister and team toured the village where they interacted with the residents.

The main economic activities of the village are logging, agriculture, sand mining and small scale farming. The village is comprised of Arawaks, Waraus and Caribs.