Three Region 9 villages, Potarinau, Baitun and Katuur, are the latest recipients of the Presidential Grant Programme, having received nearly $3 million in funding for income generating projects.
Of the grants, which were handed over on Sunday by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, $1 million will go towards funding the establishment of a women’s sewing centre at Potarinau, $800,000 toward the upgrade of a trail in Baitun and another $800,000 to the upgrade of a sports pavilion located in Katuur.
A release from the Department of Public Information reported that Potarinau, located about two hours South of Lethem, has a population of 613, comprising mostly Makushi residents, who are spread across its three satellite villages— Baitun, Katuur, and Shiriri.
According to Mary Fernandes, Potarinau’s village councillor and member of the women’s group, there are few activities available for women in the area, and as such, the village council decided to construct a women’s sewing centre with its 2019 presidential grant fund.
“We have difficulties with sewing uniforms and other clothing in the village…most of the women received training in Lethem and they are just there doing nothing so we want to get this building up and running so they can use it,” Fernandes said. She also added that the complex will be equipped with sewing machines and facilities and utensils to do catering.
The release noted that Fernandes praised the government for its continued support, relating that the grant programme has assisted in transforming the village.
Meanwhile, Senior councillor of Katuur, Brian Melville, related that the funds will go toward the upgrade of the village’s sports pavilion to allow the hosting of inter-school sports and other social activities, while Treasurer of the Baitun Village Council, Mark Anthony, related that the village’s main road to Lethem will be upgraded with the funds.
Anthony had noted that during the rainy season, the road declines to a bad state, posing it difficult for residents to traverse to conduct business.
“We will be organising ourselves right away to finish the work before the rains. The village will be engaged in self-help to ensure the work is completed in a timely manner and the monies will be calculated right here,” Anthony stated.
The release noted that The Presidential Grant programme is “aimed at creating self-sufficiency within the hinterland villages and communities through green, innovative projects that will create jobs and at the same time generate income for the village”.
It added that this year, over $200 million will be invested in 215 villages and communities under the programme, noting that last week, Kopinang and Bamboo Creek in Potaro- Siparuni, Region 8; and Wakapau, Kabakaburi, St. Monica and Mainstay/Whyaka in the Pomeroon-Supenaam, Region 2, received presidential grants over $8 million.
Allicock, during a community meeting at the Potarinau Community Centre, while noting that the aim of the programme is to increase investment, strengthen the village economies and advance community development, asserted that the village leaders must ensure proper management and accountability of the projects initiated.
“In the past, we have seen projects just start and collapse. We want you to understand that this is a partnership in development, we are meeting you half way and so we want you to manage these projects properly… so that you have a facility that is useful. It’s supposed to be working for you…It is about your development, planning for your children and even for yourself when you get older,” he stated, urging them to continue to work together for the development of their villages.
