Guyana’s indigenous communities can look forward to continued governmental support and investment aimed at improving their living standards, according to head of State President Irfaan Ali, assured during the opening of Amerindian Heritage Month.
Speaking at the Amerindian Cultural Extravaganza held at the National Park in Georgetown, he used the occasion to address the gathering present for the opening ceremony to emphasise his the government’s unwavering dedication to fostering prosperity in every Amerindian home.
Addressing the gathering, President Ali highlighted the government’s role as a steadfast ally, committed to serving the needs of the indigenous population. He praised Guyana’s progress in shaping a narrative that honours its Amerindian communities, noting that no other country can match the extent of reforms and investments made by his administration.
“This commitment is reflected in the substantial investments we have made in economic and social empowerment, cultural preservation, and granting autonomy and direct funding to Amerindian communities,” President Ali stated.
Since 2020, nearly $60 billion has been allocated to these communities to bolster local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance education and healthcare services. The President underscored the government’s focus on ensuring 100 percent access to secondary and university education in Amerindian communities, with significant strides made in training teachers and nurses within these regions.
Highlighting the healthcare sector, President Ali revealed that the government has increased the number of trained health workers in Amerindian communities by 200 percent since 2020. Additionally, five new state-of-the-art regional hospitals are under construction, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure in these areas.
Efforts to bridge the digital divide were also spotlighted, with investments in internet infrastructure and the establishment of over 25 telemedicine sites across the country, ensuring even the most remote areas have access to reliable healthcare services.
In agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture has expanded land holdings in Amerindian communities from 5,000 acres to 11,500 acres, supporting export-oriented agricultural ventures. Honey production has thrived, with 3,000 of the country’s 4,000 beehives now located in the hinterland.
President Ali reiterated the government’s dedication to the prosperity of the indigenous population, assuring that investments in their communities will remain a top priority. “We are that servant to you, whom you can trust, whom you can rely upon, and whom you can go to bed comfortable knowing that your future is secured with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic,” he affirmed.
This year’s Amerindian Heritage Month is celebrated under the theme, ‘Many Voices, One Song. Celebrating Amerindian Heritage 2024’ highlighting the unity and cultural richness of Guyana’s indigenous people.
