Rockstone Toshao endorses President Ali, praises PPP/C’s support for Amerindian development

Toshao of Rockstone Village, Region 10, Deino Williams has endorsed President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for a second term in office, crediting their visionary leadership and programmes aimed at enhancing the lives of the indigenous people.

Williams, in his public endorsement, commended the PPP/C for their leadership in the Carbon Credits initiative, noting that Amerindians have been able to transform their communities with the money.

“I want to publicly endorse President Irfaan Ali for a second term due to his commitment in terms of the development of the Amerindian people and in terms of the carbon credits, the millions that my community have been receiving over the years,” Williams said.

Indigenous communities across Guyana continue to receive designated funds from carbon credit earnings, and they are receiving more than the promised 15% allocation.

In 2023 – the first year the funds were distributed to Indigenous communities – a total of US$22.7 million (or about G$4.75 billion) was distributed to more than 200 Indigenous communities. Last year, the sum was US$23.27 million.

Williams spoke about the transformation taking place in his village.

“We have seen lots of transformation in terms of scholarships for persons within the village, in terms of helping villagers and building sanitary blocks for the community that is in progress currently; we see the expansion in terms of the works that started on our eco-tourism lodge.

“From the carbon credits as well, we have fully furnished our village offices as well which will give more in terms of governance of the community development.”

Williams’ endorsement adds to the growing chorus of Indigenous leaders who say the government’s carbon credit programme and other initiatives are directly improving lives, strengthening communities, and creating new opportunities for Amerindian people across Guyana.