Close to 2000 households have so far benefited from government’s monetary assistance to Region Nine residents who were severely affected by floods earlier this year. So far, over Gy$21.7 million has been disbursed to residents in North Rupununi and another Gy$15.5 million in South Rupununi districts.
Regional Chairman Clarindo Lucas (standing) addresses the gathering. At his right, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, Aishalton Toshao Hildebrand James and Amerindian Affairs Ministry official Beesham Ramsawack. At far left is the auditor general’s office representative
The recipients from Karasabai and other villages in the North Rupununi District were among those selected through a collaborative effort by the regional administration, the village council, the Amerindian Affairs and Agriculture ministries. The recipients received Gy$20,000 each.
The Amerindian Affairs Ministry continues to play an active role in ensuring that the monetary assistance is delivered to residents in the region in a timely manner.
On October 13, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and a team, including a representative from the auditor general’s office, visited Aishalton to execute payments to residents as part of the third phase of assistance that is being provided by government to the flood-affected victims.
Officers from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry are currently distributing relief funds in the South Rupununi District, which includes Aishalton and other neighbouring villages, where in excess of 770 households are slated to benefit.
In her address to residents, Minister Sukhai emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency with regards to managing finances at all levels.
She stated that the inclusion of the auditor general’s representative on the team is an example of government practising these two principles.
She emphasised that the cash incentive is part of the approved flood relief by the government to the disaster.
Sukhai further stated that the government has always been supportive of its people, both in times of disaster and celebration.
