Green projects to deliver jobs, revenue to hinterland, Garrido-Lowe says

Valerie Garrido-Lowe
Valerie Garrido-Lowe

A proposed allocation of almost $60 million is set for investment in green, innovative and sustainable income-generating projects in the hinterland, according to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who said they will create needed jobs and income for residents.

This was disclosed yesterday during day one of the budget debate in the National Assembly.

“Mr. Speaker, the 2019 budget supports, by way of almost $60 million, more green, innovative and sustainable, income generating projects in Paruima in Region Seven, Santa Cruz and Tobago Hill, in Region One, and Maruwanau and Bina Hill in Region Nine,” she added.

The projects for which sums have been allocated include the Monkey Mountain Lapidary in Region Eight; the Santa Rosa Ground Coffee project in Region One; the Smith’s Creek crab and fish processing facility in Region One; and the cassava flour processing factory at Kwebanna, also in Region One.

These projects all began last year with individual funding of $10 million having been provided by the government. However, additional allocations have been proposed for them in the 2019 national budget.

According to the minister, an additional sum of $3 million has been allocated in the 2019 budget to support Lapidary project in Region Eight, through the purchase of the jewel boxes and bags for pieces crafted by the Indigenous people themselves, as well as to ensure the provision of internet connectivity; an additional $15 million for the construction of the processing facility for the Santa Rosa Ground Coffee project as well as for furnishing of the facility next year.

Further, an additional $6 million has been allocated for the installation of a solar system at the Smith Creek crab and fish processing facility, and the marketing aspect of the business.

The minister noted that with assistance from Global Seafoods, residents who will be working in the facility will undergo strict training in the processing of fish and crab at the highest hygienic standards.

“This project is set to impact two nearby communities, Morawhanna and Imbotero, and later other riverain communities, transforming their economies, thus raising their standard of living,” she added.

 Meanwhile, an additional $16 million will be invested in the Kwebanna cassava flour processing factory for the purpose of equipping the factory and the start-up of operations.

“Training in the processing of the cassava flour will also be conducted for persons who will be working in the factory by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Board of Industrial Training department. And for training in packaging, we will engage the Ministry of Business,” the minister disclosed.

Garrido-Lowe also reminded the House of the Paramakatoi sun-dried tomato project and she said it continues to grow into a strong cottage industry, producing quality tomato ketchup and salad dressing.

As a result, the one solar dryer, a donation from the Canadian High Commission, is now not adequate enough to dry all the tomatoes being produced and therefore a further $5 million will be invested  for another solar dryer in the coming year.

This specific project had initially garnered a $59 million investment from the government with support from a Canadian grant.

“Mr. Speaker, these projects will directly impact the poor and the vulnerable by creating employment and generating income in these communities, thus raising the standard of living and providing the opportunity for our Indigenous brothers and sisters to live a good life,” the minister said.

In the area of youth development, Garrido-Lowe highlighted the provision of training for 3,795 youths in 222 villages over the last two years through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme.

The training, she said, focuses on capacity building through strengthening of life skills, strengthening individual vocational interests and entrepreneurial aptitudes, among other things.

“Poverty is not just a lack of money; it is not having the capability to realise one’s full potential as a human being. Mr. Speaker, for the past three years, since this government took office, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been focusing on building the capacity of our Indigenous and hinterland people. Your government, Mr. Speaker, does not believe in handouts. We believe in empowering people and giving them the economic support required so that they can create successful and meaningful lives for themselves,” the minister said.

Elaborating further on the outcome of the HEYS programme, Garrido-Lowe said they have seen the establishment of 2,054 small businesses, while noting that though government has already invested $2.3 billion for the development of hinterland youth, they have since allocated a further $176.1 million for monitoring and mentoring, along with additional monetary support for the businesses to grow.

A total of $4 million will also be spent on the construction of two rest-shelters for the students of Chenapau and Karisparu in Region Eight, who have to walk long distances to attend secondary school in Paramakatoi. These shelters, Garrido-Lowe explained, will provide a respite for the students and their parents, while the government will review the building of proper roads and bridges so vehicles will be able to traverse the areas.

Further, to ensure that Indigenous residents can transact business with ease when in the capital city, the sum of $28 million was apportioned to furnish an extension at the Indigenous Residence at Princes Street, Georgetown.