Ministers continue outreach in Amerindian villages

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Ministers continue outreach in Amerindian villages
Guyana Chronicle, 30 May 2007

TWO Government Ministers, continuing the outreach in Amerindian
villages, have said the administration hopes to further advance living
standards in those communities through the creation of closer
partnerships with toshaos (chiefs), village councils and other
residents.

They said significant upliftment in the way of life among the
indigenous people has been noted throughout the interior and hinterland
locations, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

GINA said Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues and
Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Desrey Fox made the
observations while on a recent visit to Region 10 (Upper
Demerara/Berbice).

They agreed the consultative approach has brought about greater
cooperation with Amerindian leaders and changes for the better.

Passage of the Amerindian Act in February 2006 has propelled numerous
improvements in Amerindian villages and residents are now more au fait
with their rights but some, at Great Falls, were reminded of them and
the benefits by Rodrigues, GINA said.

The agency said the villagers told her their concerns include
transportation for children and the need for a primary school building
at 58 Miles, so that the 43 pupils would no longer have to walk the
long distance to 47 Miles.

Rodrigues suggested that an annex to Great Falls Primary be built, as
it would be more feasible and she promised to hold discussions with the
Regional Administration on the possibility of including the
construction in its 2008 budget.

The villagers also mentioned the necessity for a fair system in the
grant of tags for logging and the minister called on the toshao and
councillors to ensure that everyone benefits, GINA said.

GINA said Toshao Julian Williams was asked to meet the councillors and
other residents and formulate reasonable rules for governing the
community.

Rodrigues said it is very important because of reports that persons are
entering Amerindian communities and taking away resources, felling
trees and even assaulting villagers with no action being taken.

She said village councils must have proper record keeping systems as
they are essential for the daily operations and her ministry has been
sending officers into the different local government areas to train
toshaos and councillors for the purpose.

Although Great Falls previously benefited from such training, Rodrigues
said she would send the trainers there again, so that the council
members could be further educated on the process.

Minister Fox lauded the government emphasis on the development of
hinterland communities and making Amerindians better off than they have
ever been.

She said the government has been directing significant amounts of
resources for the advancement of the education system in Guyana and, as
such, opportunities should be utilised.

We want parents to forge partnerships with teachers, the Ministry of
Education and school administrators in an effort to enhance their
children’s education,” Fox explained.

Addressing the national issue of teachers shortage, she pointed out
that huge sums of money are being spent on training hundreds of
teachers and great emphasis is placed on those in the hinterland.

Fox said hundreds of teachers are currently undergoing courses at the
Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and she exhorted parents to
make sure that their children make maximum use of the teaching being
offered, because the government is now working on achieving the goal of
universal access to secondary education as that with primary education
was achieved several years ago.

She remarked: “The government has done so much for Amerindians in this
country…we have so many new nursery, primary and secondary schools in
our communities and we should be grateful for its efforts.”