Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 08, 2017 News
The Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and its partners are on the verge of concluding the final stages of consultations before rolling out the much touted Sustainable Development Agreement Framework (SDAF) in Villages and Communities across Guyana.
The Ministry in collaboration with Conservation International hosted key stakeholders including a team from Brazil for a three-day workshop to ensure there is clarity on all aspects of the framework, while at the same time learning from Brazil’s experiences.
The three-day engagement commenced Tuesday last at the Splashmins Resort on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.
The SDAF once completed, will be used as an instrument to effect long term changes in the lives of the Indigenous Peoples through effective sustainable livelihood programmes with support from key government and non-governmental actors.
During Tuesday’s opening session, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told participants that a framework of this nature is necessary at this critical juncture when the Guyana Government is forging ahead towards a green economy.
“With the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agreement Framework, we hope to rectify most if not all of the short comings and challenges we face presently in terms of development for the IP’s, but this would need lots of commitment and resources.
At this time I would like to put on record special mention of Dr. Singh and team who have been very instrumental and supportive in terms of providing the financial and technical assistance to the project,” Minister Allicock opined.
In emphasizing the need to collaborate, the Vice President assured, “We are working towards improved and new ways of doing things and we have to collaborate, we have to communicate more with each other, so that we will not replicate instead we will build, improve and strengthen what is already there. When we work together we will see results, we will make an impact and see the change that we are working together for.”
The SDAF will also facilitate strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms which will assist Village Councils in the preparation and prompt submission of reports and feedback.
Late last year, a Guyanese delegation benefitted from a similar exercise in Brasilia. In welcoming the visiting team here, Minister Allicock, said it is his hope that the experiences shared would improve Guyana’s capabilities to effectively execute the SDAF.
“We will try to learn as much as we can from you and I know that you will take away good experiences from us. This visit will no doubt strengthen our cross border partnership.”
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe acknowledged the role Conservational International (C.I) has and continues to play in this process.
Minister Garrido-Lowe said, “Everyone who has a vision and want to build on that vision and make it a reality must realize that it is built on relationships. You can be the biggest star, a scholar, or could be in the highest position, if you don’t try to build that relationship or have that people skill to make sure you get your vision going, either you start and fall or you never start. We have come this far with the Framework because of the relationship Minister Allicock and Dr. Singh (C.I) has had over the years.”
Acknowledging the benefits that will be derived when the project is fully implemented in all 215 villages, satellites and communities Minister Garrido-Lowe has assured that “this is a very good start”.
Conservation International’s Executive Director, Dr. David Singh, said that while it is his organization’s role to secure natural capita. “We are one player of many; we are here working together to create a future that we all want and a future that we all need, and we are seized with many common purposes and one of those fundamental purposes is the recognition that the people need nature to thrive.”
Dr. Singh noted that in Guyana, there is that need for development with a human face. C.I is pleased to be given the opportunity to be strategically placed to facilitate the shaping of that future.
Sharing similar sentiments were Chair of the National Toshao’s Council, Joel Fredericks, and World Wildlife Fund’s Senior Technical Officer, Chuck Hutchinson, who both acknowledged the efforts made by partners to develop a mechanism which seeks to improve the livelihood of the indigenous peoples.
Meanwhile, in 2004 the Brazilian Government established a similar programme, the “Bolsa Verde” a“Green Grant” which is an Environmental Conservation Support Programme. It provides incentives to more than 70,000 persons from five regions and 25 states living under extreme poverty conditions.
Families selected must meet the social protection programme criteria and will receive benefits totaling R$300 Reaisor (US$94) quarterly under one condition; that they invest in activities that support sustainable use of forest resources and environmental conservation.
The areas targeted are Protected Areas, Land Settlements and territories occupied by traditional people.
Fernando Riberio C.I Brazil said, “Conservation International Brazil has done an extremely good job with the Ministry of Agrarian and Development and I think we can strengthen our relationship even in Guyana and bring more knowledge if you can.”
The key areas focused on include identifying challenges, opportunities and strategies to enhance political and financial stability, effective communication and connecting the SDAF and the Bolsa Verde to National and Regional developmental efforts.
Leonardo Pacheco, Brazil’s representative believes Guyana is one step ahead of Brazil. “The work that you are doing here is very good. You work with the communities and not just the families which is much more effective than just working with the families, that’s why in Bolsa Verde now, we are starting to work with the communities because it is much more important than just working with the families.”
Among the many success stories coming out from the “Bolsa Verde” programme is the fact that last year alone, more than 20,000 persons were removed from the list of beneficiaries since the programme boosted their income well above the poverty line. In 2017, close to 5,000 persons were removed from the list.
Meanwhile, on the local scene the SDAF is currently being tested and refined in forty nine (49) villages, satellites and communities in Rupununi, Region 9.
Key players include the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Conservation International, the National Toshao’s Council, World Wildlife Fund, the Regional Democratic Council, Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) and North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB).
Please share this to every Guyanese including your house cats.
Apr 19, 2024
SportsMax – West Indies Women’s captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead her team to a commanding 113-run victory over Pakistan Women in the first One Day...Kaieteur News – For years, the disciples of Bharrat Jagdeo have woven a narrative of economic success during his tenure... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]