Amerindian communities should be encouraged to access these funds

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

I am very pleased that the indigenous peoples of Guyana are getting back what belongs to them. It is no longer a case that indigenous peoples are taken lightly; their affairs have been given much recognition by the state and they can see themselves benefiting from the national pie equally.

Recently, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was given a cheque totalling over Gy$ 49 million in royalties from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) through the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry. This money accounts for 20 per cent of the royalties from mining activities paid to the GGMC for the period 2006 to 2011 by small and medium-scale miners in hinterland communities.

The transfer of the money is in keeping with the 2006 Amerindian Act which stipulates that the GGMC shall transfer 20 per cent of the royalties from mining activities to a fund designated by the minister for the benefit of Amerindian villages. The vision in the Amerindian Act is to ensure that the proceeds from mining contribute to the national effort. In essence, this will allow other communities to share in the wealth of our country.

I am also delighted to know that the funds will allow the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and other stakeholders to be involved in projects that will foster improvement in the living conditions and economic status of Amerindians. Now these ideas for the development of village economies etc. can be put into action so that they become reality.

And finally, I hope that all eligible hinterland communities would have a fair chance of accessing these funds and they would be encouraged to become engaged in projects that will better lives.

Yours truly,

N Thomas

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