The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs recently distributed foodstuff and a number of tools valued $3M to Masakenari, Region Nine residents affected by heavy rainfall.
Minister Pauline Sukhai and Permanent Secretary at the ministry Nigel Dharamlall gave residents peas, flour, rice and sugar, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said. Not all the farms in the community have been affected, GINA noted.
Additionally, Sukhai noted that students from the area will soon benefit from the school uniform programme. Also, pupils enrolled at the Aishalton Secondary School which boasts a dormitory, will be reunited with their parents over the July-August holidays as government will provide fuel to transport them back home.
The ministry has also been aggressively tackling registration for birth certificates in Amerindian communities since many adults and children do not have this document.
Additionally, Sukhai said she was pleased with the infrastructural developments in the community. “We have provided acknowledgment that they have completed their airstrip which was supported by the Presidential grant and His Excellency did provide an additional $1M to do additional upgrade,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary noted too that the Wai Wai community is advanced in the area of information technology. He encouraged those who are versed in the field to teach others so that they too can learn how to access information on the worldwide web. Dharamlall also said that since the community is known for its distinct craft work it should look at new ways to market these products. “Our Ministry has already begun a redesign of our marketing programme so we can link your website so we can help you market your community and your products,” he said.
Dharamlall also reiterated government’s commitment improving the lives of Amerindians through specific projects and programmes such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy and he urged them to submit their Community Development Plan for consideration.
Meanwhile, Toshao Paul Chekema said he was grateful for the assistance provided to the community. He said though some crops have been destroyed those cultivated on high ground were not affected.
