The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs earlier this month engaged the Rockstone community on issues such as supporting groups that are working for its betterment and crafting its Community Development Plan (CDP) in order to access a Presidential Grant this year.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Minister Pauline Sukhai told residents that groups and organisations that can make contribution to the community’s development should always be welcomed. “I would like to advise all groups to work together; your cooperation will be complementing everybody’s efforts… at the Ministry we would support any grouping that intends to work for the betterment of the community,” she said.
Sukhai also pointed out that the concerns that residents raised regarding governance were not unique to Rockstone but the Amerindian Act has a good procedure for addressing these issues. “It speaks to transparency, good management, and the authority and functions of a council,” she said.
According to GINA, recently the Council sent a letter to the ministry requesting the removal of a councillor due to his absence at meetings and “other actions that are contrary to the best interest of the council.” In response to the letter, Sukhai told residents that under the governance procedures that the ministry employs, a thorough investigation will have to be conducted before a decision is taken. She also noted that the letter did not indicate whether or not the Council had issued a formal warning to the councillor and as such the ministry could not make any substantial decision until further investigations are conducted.
As regard presidential grants, she said that it is financial aid that government has instituted to help communities develop sustainable and productive projects to boost their living standards. In 2007, Rockstone’s presidential grant was used to procure furniture for the area’s guest house. In 2008, it was used to establish a village farm and 2009’s was earmarked for the establishment of a fuel shop and general store. All the projects, but the general store, have been executed. Villagers have said the store is expected to be completed by March. Sukhai also reminded the community that no grant will be approved if it does not demonstrate its commitment to the projects.
Rockstone is currently deciding what its CDP would include; a furniture work station or a cassava processing plant. However, one resident opined that the community should focus more emphasis on tourism; a suggestion which the minister agreed should be explored.
Regarding the communal land ownership, Sukhai said that 13 communities are awaiting verification for titling and urged the residents to discuss this issue among themselves with a view of to making a decision about their lands.
