Region Nine community gets Presidential Grant

Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 June 2014, 0:46 by GxMedia

Residents of Taushida, Karasabai District, Region Nine were the recipients of a GUY$1M Presidential Grant to be utilized for the purpose of cassava cultivation,

The grant was made during a visit by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai to the region over the weekend to meet and interact with residents of Karasabai, Kakshibai, Tipuru and Yurung Paru. 

The Presidential Grants programme provides communities with the financial resources necessary to fund projects that are aimed at providing the required services within their communities and help to make them more economically viable. The projects range from expansion of village farms, eco-lodges, building dams, clearing trails, providing kitchen facilities for school feeding programmes and cattle rearing.

Minister Sukhai while handing over the cheque to Toshao of Taushida, Moses Isaacs urged the residents along with the Village Council and Toshao to utilise the money wisely, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Taushida has a population 290 and has been known for being one of the communities which has been successful in executing village projects. Minister Sukhai reminded that the community must establish a proposal for the 2013 and 2014 presidential grants, which she hopes will be available.

The Presidential grant for this year has been affected during the cuts to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry’s Capital budget of $1.5B by the Opposition during the 2014 National Budget. Minister Sukhai noted that she is hopeful that June 19, when Parliament meets, Government would be able to reinstate the budget cuts which have affected the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and the development of Amerindian communities.

“This is really stalling the development of Amerindian communities which are waiting on the development fund to get on with their business of village enhancement and providing services to their people,” Minister Sukhai pointed out.

A $2.1M, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and a complete radio set valued $550,000 to enhance transportation and communication were handed over to residents of Kakshibai. Minister Sukhai charged that the ATV be maintained and used for the development of the community and its residents.

Meanwhile, Tipuru, Tiger Pond and Rukumoto received 16 roles of mesh for the fencing of primary schools and farm lands in the respective communities.

Sports gear was also distributed to the young people of Taushida and Kakshibai.