Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai on Thursday visited St Cuthbert’s Mission, Region 4, to hand over a Hilux pick-up valued $5 million, to Toshao Luke Simon, to be used for the community’s benefit. A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said that the vehicle will be used to transport patients in emergencies, pensioners to uplift their pensions and to further develop the community by transporting agricultural inputs and products, to aid the community’s tourism drive, among other uses.
Sukhai stated that the village council is responsible for the governance of the affairs of the village, to administer, manage, and ensure that the community’s development pathway is planned, to mobilise the level of support within the community to further advance St Cuthbert’s. Even though the entire council is responsible for the vehicle, a sub-committee has been established to ensure proper management and maintenance on a cost recovery basis.
They have to set an appropriate rate so as to be able to pay a driver and purchase fuel and parts when needed. The minister noted that the committee can serve as an oversight body, but the ministry will hold the council accountable for the vehicle.
According to GINA, Sukhai said that often community members do not show appreciation and abuse the investments made by government to improve their lives.
“There we are as a government trying to meet the demands of the people, trying to spread the limited resources that this country to ensure that development continues to move apace and there you have communities and people who have no appreciation of these investments,” she said.
Toshao Simon stated that the pick-up will be maintained and put to good use.
