Garrido-Lowe, Pearson clash over progress for indigenous people

Valerie Garrido-Lowe

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valarie Garrido-Lowe yesterday said that the proposed 2018 budget is `fit and proper’ as it makes provision for the survival of Guyana’s first people but according to opposition MP Yvonne Pearson, this is far from the truth.

“Sometime I wonder…if we are living in the same country, Guyana. The Minister in her opening remarks said the budget under the theme….is without a doubt a fit and proper budget. As an indigenous person standing here in this House I feel insulted…What is fit and proper about the 2018 budget?”, Pearson asked during the opening day of the budget debate.

Garrido-Lowe who read from a prepared speech, attacked the PPP/C for failing to create a suitable living environment for the indigenous peoples before praising government for steps it has taken and is taking to change this.

“In order to