Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Dec 10, 2009 News
The National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs is proving to be successful in Amerindian communities, as a number of projects have kicked off.
Norman Whittaker, Liaison Officer to the Amerindian Affairs Minister, at a recent press conference said that the programme has seen the establishment of projects such as peanut cultivation which farmers in region one are already involved in along with the production of ginger, which is one of the main crops in some Amerindian communities.
There is also honey production which is done on a small scale by farmers in the region one community, along with crab fattening.
“Government is outlaying initially $88 million for a project that will see between 600 to 700 persons benefiting directly, when all these projects get off the ground,” Whittaker said.
He added that a further 3,000 will benefit indirectly from these projects.
According to Whittaker, the project also has a training component where each Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) volunteer is assigned two community volunteers, so that when the VSO volunteer’s contract comes to an end, the community volunteers can carry on the project.
“Government has moved beyond the focus on social services and infrastructure and we are focusing on the village economy.”
Additionally, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai also added that passion fruit cultivation is in progress in some of the communities. It was noted that in less than three months, the farmers were able to cultivate more than 40 acres of the product and are now gearing for 100 acres.
Meanwhile, Project Coordinator for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon Austin, noted that the Project Department of the Ministry is focusing on governance, training and community development which seek to promote capacity building of Toshaos, Community Development Officers and the village members.
She noted that it is the rural development and natural resource management that seeks to improve existing eco system services to Amerindians and a secure livelihood and enterprise.
In this regard, she explained that the officer responsible for this aspect of the project would come up with proposals and concepts that promote secure livelihoods in Amerindian communities.
According to Austin, the Ministry is also trying to ensure that the Presidential grants are dispersed on time in order to ensure that development efforts continue in communities.
She explained that monitoring and evaluation of the projects are done in order to make certain that they are implemented in a timely manner and the goals are achieved. Additionally, advocacy and networking are done so that the issues, concerns and needs of the Amerindian peoples are highlighted and represented at various programmes.
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