‘Indigenous people must be part of Guyana’s development’ – Pres. Ali  

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring Guyana’s indigenous people are part and parcel of the country’s mainstream development.

And as part of that commitment, the President handed over 30 tractors with trailers to indigenous communities in Regions One, Two, Four, Five, Six, and Nine to aid farmers in their agricultural endeavors – a campaign promise that has now been fulfilled.

The batch of 30 tractors is the first of 112 to be handed over.  The machines were procured by the government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at a total cost of $446 million.

“It is our vision to work with our indigenous communities, hinterland communities, riverine communities to ensure sustainable development, to ensure sustainable livelihood [and] to ensure that you are part of the mainstream development of our country,” the Head of State said at the handing over ceremony held at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Hinterland Scholarship Student Dormitory, Lilliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

President Ali highlighted that that achievement is not only centered on the provision of goods and services, but also the transformation of Guyana’s human resources. As such, the President said the government’s drive for education is also a critical pathway for the advancement of indigenous communities.

He affirmed too that government will not “spare any expenditure” to ensure the delivery of quality education and adequate access to the same.

“It is also important for us to equip you with what is necessary to sustain your livelihood, to improve community services, and to advance your productive capacity.”

Dr. Ali outlined as well that the government will lend support to the indigenous communities to sustain their agriculture-centered livelihoods and, more importantly, have those supporting strategies fall in line with climate change considering the damage done by the recent floods.

Further, the President said that the government will continue to develop strategies, plans, and projects that speak directly to the needs of the various communities. He was keen to note that those plans will be developed not by the subject ministries but in the communities that will directly benefit from the investments.