Presidential grants for Amerindian communities increase by Gy$180M

Toshaos from several Amerindian communities have dubbed the just concluded National Toshaos Council Meeting a success, declaring that a significant percentage of their concerns were addressed.

At a press conference on Saturday, July 30, the community leaders refuted claims by some disgruntled toshaos that the meeting was unsuccessful and many of their concerns went unattended.

“From our perspective, we think we had a very good meeting, which we think was successful.

We look forward to the commitments that were made to our people, and we are also hoping that the release of the funds will be expedited very soon,” said Chairperson of the NTC, Yvonne Pearson. During the press conference, hosted in the Conference Room of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Pearson said she was confident that there would be lots of improvements in the affairs of the Amerindian people in the time between the present and the next NTC Conference in 2012.

“All the toshaos were given opportunity to raise issues; and the answers couldn’t have been given immediately. But I’m happy that the president was there, even for a short period, and he gave everybody an opportunity to speak on behalf of their community; more so, so that nothing would go undone in terms of requests and interventions, he asked that toshaos record all their concerns and he would look at them individually,” Toshao Herman Williams of Hururu, in Region Ten, declared.

He noted that while there will be disagreements in any meeting, it is important for persons to remember that the treatment of Amerindians in Guyana is unequalled in other parts of the world. “I would like you to understand that we have the opportunity, as indigenous people, to meet with our president and Cabinet. In some countries worldwide, this is not happening.”

Resolution on the Norway funds

Meanwhile, Pearson disclosed that the toshaos unanimously agreed to a resolution calling for the fast- tracking of the institutional requirements for the release of the Norway funds, critical to the implementation of projects under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

The resolution document was presented to President Bharrat Jagdeo at the closing of the NTC conference on Friday, July 29. According to Pearson, the resolution reiterates the indigenous people’s firm commitment to protect the forests in response to the national call for development, a move which they see as lending support to the achievement of the goals of the LCDS. It also affirms the Amerindian people’s desire to protect their heritage and welfare, and to continue contributing to strengthening the partnership that will enhance the development of all Guyanese.

The declaration also expressed Amerindian people’s frustration and disappointment at the lengthy delay in the release of the Guyana REDD+ (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Investment Fund (GRIF), and the hindrance which the impasse has on village development.

It also calls on the governments of Guyana and Norway to “urgently intervene so that the release of the funds is expedited.”

Presidential grant increased

Meanwhile, the Guyanese leader announced an increase in presidential grants for Amerindian villages, from Gy$320 million to Gy$500 million for the period 2010/2011. The allowance which is paid to toshaos to cover their expenses has also been increased.

The president made this announcement in his address to over 170 leaders of Amerindian communities on the final day of the meeting.

He advised the toshaos that with their presidential grants they can commence some of the projects outlined in their Community Development Plans (CDP), as these would have already been agreed to by the various villages, and execution can commence immediately.

The presidential grant was established in 2007 when the sum of Gy$150 million was allocated towards meeting the social and economic needs of 140 communities.

The venture continued in 2008, but the following year an additional 20 communities became eligible for the grant, resulting in Gy$160 million being allocated.

President Jagdeo committed, on behalf of the government, to continue dialogue with the toshaos in the future, as government continues its development agenda for indigenous communities.

“We take great pleasure in the success of your communities and people. The PPP/ Civic government takes pleasure in your development,” he said.