Government has released $60 million for hinterland communities to encourage their members to address community development and start engaging in economic ventures.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai said the foundation has already been set and groundwork laid. In addition she said three specialists will be placed in Region One (Barima/Waini) initially to support the communities following the kick start of the programme.

The programmes will also employ youths and according to her is tied into the low carbon development strategy and fits neatly into the document launched by President Bharrat Jagdeo on Monday in terms of transforming the economy.

She said the venture will be based on a “low carbon kind of model.” Total funding for the programme is to cost some $88 million and $60 million is to be released immediately.