Strict accountability is necessary as inception phase of LCDS begins

Dear Editor,
The watch words are ‘strict accountability’ as the inception phase of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is off the ground. It was none other than President Donald Ramotar who advocated that all Amerindian leaders must ensure proper stewardship in the community projects that they will be embarking on. These projects are aimed at making village economies resilient via the good use of the opportunities provided through the various ventures.
The inception phase of the LCDS is about a focused development of village economies, through projects funded under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) via the Guyana Redd+ Investment Fund (GRIF).
These initiatives are most vital in bringing Guyana’s indigenous people on par with those living on the coastland. Personally, I interpret this to mean that in terms of facilitating general development and improving personal quality of lives, Amerindians must not be at a disadvantage.
I feel very bad when indigenous people have to be uprooted, trekking to Georgetown or the East Coast of Demerara as they seek betterment. The 27 communities chosen for the pilot projects will receive Gy$5 million each for the implementation of socio-economic projects of their own choice, thanks to the Amerindian Development Fund.
This is about personal initiative too, as government is not going to foist anything on these participants.
Also, with the Hinterland Apprenticeship Programme, training of hinterland youths for leadership roles will most likely make the end result self-perpetuating.
In time to come, a kind of independence will be evident. I like the idea of government’s bid to make the nation self-productive, instead of giving handouts.
This is not about politics and ingratiation and there is no selfish motive here. It was under the Jagdeo administration that this kind of thinking was touted and planned for.
Now it is “realisation time”.
I must say that this is really a big developmental move. On record, 180 commercially viable projects will receive grants of US$25,000 each, and in this pilot phase, 27 grants will be allocated.
The projects will centre on agriculture, eco-tourism, forestry, mining, village infrastructure, and service provision in local village economies.
On a good closing note, I like the idea about a special radio outlet for farmers. Why do I make this sudden interjection here? It is that we must make much regarding the inception phase of the LCDS.
We must follow it regularly and intensely, and radio can help here too.
Yours sincerely,
James McPherson