Hinterland livelihood programme expanding in 2010

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai said the programme will be implemented in the South Pakaraimas, Karasabai and the six satellite communities, North Pakaraimas and South Rupununi. She was speaking at the ministry’s year end press conference. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release government expended $88M on the programme; $79M of which has already been invested. The programme has been aided by local agencies and 15 Voluntary Service Overseas volunteers skilled in the business and agricultural fields. The VSOs have been training 12 Amerindian volunteers tasked with disseminating information to farmers. The minister pointed out that expanding the programme will allow the development of a core national volunteer component. She said too the economic aspect of these villages will improve because of the components of the programme and the training from volunteers.

According to Sukhai in Region One farmers have learnt to diversify their crops. They have begun passion fruit farming for which there is an available market; and the money gained from their sales will boost their livelihoods. Honey is also another venture in progress with 600 honey hives under construction. This project has targeted more than seven communities in the region.

“We have to prepare ourselves and therefore the Project Department which from time to time I refer to which is pretty established now with six new offices, will be developing a framework document that will specifically deal with the transformation aspect of the village economy,” Sukhai said.